Patient Education
Why Australia leads the world in skin cancer — and the practical, evidence-based steps that make a real difference, from sunscreen and the UV index to self-checks and regular professional skin checks.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world — the result of a largely fair-skinned population living under an intense southern-hemisphere sun. The encouraging news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Consistent sun protection, awareness of the UV index, and a habit of regular skin checks together catch most problems early, when they are simplest to treat. This guide sets out what effective skin cancer prevention looks like in practice.
According to Cancer Council Australia and Cancer Australia, around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. Each year, more skin cancers are diagnosed in Australia than all other cancers combined. Most are basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas — highly curable when found early — while melanoma, though less common, is the most dangerous form and a leading cancer in younger Australians.
The single biggest risk factor is cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure — every sunburn, every long day outdoors, adds up over a lifetime. This is why sun protection is not just about avoiding the occasional burn: it is a lifelong strategy that begins in childhood. The damage driving skin cancer is largely preventable, which is what makes prevention so worthwhile.
Higher-risk groups: people with fair skin, red or fair hair, light-coloured eyes, a history of sunburns or tanning bed use, many moles, or a personal or family history of skin cancer should be particularly diligent with both sun protection and skin checks.
Cancer Council's Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign has been teaching Australians how to protect themselves since the 1980s — and it remains the backbone of sound sun protection. Use all five together, not one instead of the others:
No single measure is perfect. Clothing and shade protect reliably; sunscreen protects well when used properly. Combined, they cover the gaps that each leaves on its own.
Most people who use sunscreen do not use enough of it. Studies consistently show that the average adult applies a quarter to half of the quantity used in SPF testing — which roughly halves the real-world protection. To get the labelled SPF out of your sunscreen:
Sunscreen is safe for daily use on adults and children over about 12 months of age; for infants, shade, clothing and avoiding direct sun are the primary defences. Cancer Council guidance supports everyday use of sunscreen on exposed skin whenever the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above.
The UV index — not the temperature — determines when sun protection is needed. UV radiation is invisible and does not feel hot, so cool or overcast days can still deliver damaging doses. As a rule, when the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above, sun protection is recommended. Most weather apps and the Cancer Council's SunSmart app show the daily UV forecast for your location.
Sydney's UV is intense for much of the year. UV levels routinely reach 11 or higher — "extreme" on the index — on clear summer days, and often stay above 3 for eight or more months of the year. Two Sydney-specific points worth remembering:
Professional skin checks are usually done every 6 to 12 months — but skin can change in the weeks between appointments. A monthly self-check takes about ten minutes and helps you know what is normal for your own skin, so that anything new or changing stands out quickly. Use a well-lit room and a hand mirror (or a partner) to check your back, scalp, ears and the backs of your legs.
Watch for spots that are new, growing, changing shape or colour, bleeding or not healing. Our step-by-step mole check guide explains the ABCDE method and what each warning sign means.
Self-checks are valuable, but they cannot replace a trained eye with proper equipment. A professional skin cancer check involves systematic examination of the whole skin surface — including areas such as the scalp, back and ears that are hard to examine yourself — with dermoscopy, which lets the doctor look at pigment structures that are invisible to the naked eye. Many skin cancers found this way are at an early stage, when treatment is simplest.
How often you should have skin checks depends on your risk: people with no particular risk factors may not need routine checks at all, while those with a previous skin cancer, many moles, or a family history may benefit from checks every 6 to 12 months. Dr Andrew Li, a GP with FRACGP and more than 26 years of experience, can assess your risk profile at a first appointment and recommend an interval that suits you. Learn more about our full body skin cancer check and mole assessment service.
Research into whether specific foods or supplements can prevent skin cancer is ongoing, but the current evidence does not support relying on diet alone for protection. Some studies have explored omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich diets, with mixed and inconclusive results. One lifestyle step with clear evidence behind it is avoiding tanning beds, which are a documented source of intense, concentrated UV exposure and are banned for under-18s in much of Australia.
The habits with the strongest support remain the least glamorous: daily sun protection, knowing the UV index, checking your skin, and seeing a doctor promptly about anything new or changing.
This page provides general educational information only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace individual medical advice. If you are concerned about a lesion, please book a professional skin assessment.
Skin Cancer Laser Centre, Drummoyne — opening Monday 2 November 2026. Book a preventive skin check with our doctors and know your skin is looked after.
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