Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. About one in two people who grow up here will develop some form of skin cancer, and more than 1600 Australians die from melanoma each year — the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The major cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation from the sun and other sources, such as solariums.
But the good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable and that most skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.
This website aims to help you to understand:
- UV radiation and skin cancer
- how to protect yourself from the sun's UV rays
- how to become more familiar with your skin so you are more likely to notice any changes.
Defend yourself, get Sun Smart now!
If you've been taking some risks and figure you should step up the skin defence, get a sun smart routine:
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Make a habit of using the five sun protection measures in combinations to suit your lifestyle
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Get to know your own skin – your moles, birthmarks, freckles and blemishes
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Learn to recognise what's normal for you and what looks different
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Keep an eye out for any changes to size, condition or texture
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See your GP immediately if you see anything that has changed or that wasn't there the last time you looked.
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