Australia's beautiful climate provides fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities, allowing us to enjoy exercise, socialising, and fresh air. However, this same climate also exposes us to some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation globally, posing significant health risks.
At least 95% of all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. This means that by protecting our skin from UV radiation, we can significantly reduce our risk of skin cancer.
UV radiation is invisible and can harm us on both sunny and cloudy days. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor UV levels via the SunSmart app and take protective measures whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or higher.
With skin cancer now the most common cancer in Australia and two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime, it's essential to make sun safety a daily habit.
1. Tanning trends: social media influence
Despite ongoing public health campaigns, purposeful tanning trends remain prevalent in Australia.
Social media plays a major role in shaping attitudes toward sun exposure, with some trends encouraging people - especially young Australians - to seek a tan. The fact that 1 in 10 NSW residents actively attempted to tan in the past year highlights the need for increased awareness about the importance of sun protection.[CB1]
While some social media trends may encourage harmful behaviours, we have the power to create positive change. By promoting sun safe habits, we can inspire others to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
Over summer, concerning trends such as the sunburn and tan line challenges have emerged, encouraging people to deliberately overexpose themselves to UV radiation, leading to permanent skin damage.
By focusing on the importance of sun protection and the benefits of healthy skin, we can shift the narrative. Together, we can work to promote sun safety and create a healthier future for everyone. By embracing positive sun safe habits both in person and online, we can protect our skin and inspire others to do the same.
2. The science of sun damage: what happens when you tan?
Our skin is a vital part of our body that deserves care and protection. Understanding how UV radiation affects our skin helps us appreciate the importance of sun safety and encourages us to take proactive steps to protect ourselves.
UV exposure damages our skin's DNA, potentially leading to skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be deadly. Every single day, 49 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In NSW alone, 10 people die from melanoma every week.
While we all know that sunburns are painful, it's important to realise that suntans also indicate skin damage. When exposed to UV radiation, our skin produces melanin to protect itself, causing it to darken. A suntan is a clear sign that your skin has already received too much UV exposure and damage has begun.
Even if you don't get sunburnt, regular UV exposure can cause irreversible DNA damage, leading to:
- Premature aging: Wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunspots develop years earlier.
- Increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers: Each time your skin is exposed to UV radiation, the risk increases.
- Permanent DNA mutations: Once skin cells are damaged, they never fully recover, making future exposure even riskier.
By understanding these risks and embracing sun safety, we can take proactive steps to protect our skin and significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
3. Making sun safety a daily habit
Sun protection is simple and effective
UV damage to the skin is permanent and cumulative.
Skin cancer doesn't develop overnight; every tan, sunburn, and unprotected day in the sun contributes to the risk over time.
The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable and it's never too late to start protecting our skin.
By taking five simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk. Remember, when the UV Index hits 3 or above, it's time to protect our skin by:
- Slipping on protective clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Slopping on SPF50+ sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.
- Slapping on a broad-brimmed hat to shield your face, neck, and ears.
- Seeking shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when UV levels are highest.
- Sliding on sunglasses with UV protection to prevent eye damage.
By making small, daily changes - wearing sunscreen, covering up, and avoiding deliberate tanning - you can drastically lower your risk of skin cancer while also protecting your skin from premature aging.
In fact, studies show that regular sunscreen use reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%, even in people who have had significant sun exposure before.
Every effort counts when it comes to sun safety! Let's embrace these habits and embrace the outdoors safely.
Start the conversation about sun safety
Outdoor activities - whether it's hanging out with friends at a park or the beach, going on adventures, or playing sports - are great for your physical health and mental wellbeing. However, the Australian sun is harsh and can quickly damage the skin. It can turn a fun day for you and your friends into a painful experience, stopping the fun in its tracks.
This means reminding each other to reapply sunscreen regularly, wearing sun safe hats, clothing, and sunglasses, and spending time in the shade whenever possible.
It's wonderful to see the fashion world embracing stylish SunSmart trends, including cute hats, sunnies, trendy cover-ups, and eye-catching umbrellas and cabanas. These positive trends help us prioritise our health and wellbeing, making sun safety a fun, fashionable, and enjoyable part of our lives.
By having open conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, we can help shift harmful attitudes and trends both in person and online – so that future generations are less likely to face the consequences of skin cancer.
Tackling skin cancer takes all of us
Let's create a sun safe culture together. Whether you're involved in sports, education, or any other field, your voice matters. Advocate for better access to sun safety measures where we live, learn, work, and play.
By prioritising sun safety and investing in prevention, we can protect future generations and reduce the burden of this largely preventable disease. Together, we can ensure that everyone is safe in the sun.
Find more information on our sun protection page and don't forget to download our free SunSmart app! It's important to know your skin - read our tips on checking for skin cancer.
