Stay sun safe this summer: protect your skin and health

17 January 2025

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates—2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed by age 70, and nearly 2,000 lives are lost each year¹. In 2023 alone, over 18,200 people were diagnosed with melanoma, the country’s third most common cancer².

But the good news? Most skin cancers are preventable with proper sun protection.

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

• Slip on protective clothing
• Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every two hours)
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
• Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
• Slide on wraparound sunglasses

How to check for skin cancer

Look for:

• New or changing moles
• Sores that don’t heal
• Itchy, scaly, or bleeding spots
• Dark streaks under nails
• Spots that look different from others on your body

Get Your Skin Checked

• Have a professional skin check every 1-2 years, or more often if you're at higher risk.
• Visit your GP, dermatologist, or a dedicated skin cancer clinic for a full-body check. Many clinics offer bulk-billed or affordable skin checks, so book yours today!

Why It Matters

Sunburn causes long-term damage and increases melanoma risk. UV rays are harmful even on cloudy days, so when the UV index hits 3 or higher, protect your skin.

Make sun safety a habit—your skin will thank you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT STAYING SUNSMART

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUN & UV RAYS