Skin Cancer — Prevention

Australia has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.

• More than two in three Australians will face a skin cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
• In 2024, there were 18,964 new melanoma cases and 1,340 deaths.
• By age 85, 1 in 14 men and 1 in 21 women will be diagnosed with melanoma.
• Some regions, like South-East Queensland, record melanoma rates nearly double the national average.

The good news: most skin cancers are preventable with consistent protection.

Summary
Protect your skin every day — with clothing, shade, and sunscreen — especially during peak UV hours.

Key Prevention Strategies

• Slip on clothing: Long sleeves, tightly woven fabrics.
• Slop on sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (or higher), applied generously and reapplied every 2 hours.
• Slap on a hat: Wide-brimmed for best coverage.
• Seek shade: Especially between 10am and 4pm, when UV radiation is strongest.
• Slide on sunglasses: Wraparound for maximum eye protection.
• Avoid tanning beds: Increases melanoma risk.

Daily Habits

• Check the UV index. In Australia, sun protection is recommended when the UV index is 3 or higher.
• Make sun protection part of your morning routine — even on cloudy days.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

FAQs

Q: Isn’t sunscreen enough?
A: Sunscreen is important, but it should be combined with hats, clothing, and shade for best protection.

Q: Do I need sun protection in winter?
A: Yes, if the UV index is 3 or above. In many parts of Australia, that includes winter.

Q: Can kids use adult sunscreen?
A: Yes, most can. For babies under 6 months, focus on shade and clothing first.

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References

• Cancer Council Australia — prevention
• WHO — UV safety

Related Guides

• Skin Cancer — Warning Signs
• Sunscreen Basics
• Cancer — Guide Hub