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Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and the North Coast of NSW carries more than its share of that burden. According to the Cancer Institute NSW melanoma hotspot map, Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour local government areas record the highest melanoma rates in the state. Richmond Valley, Tweed, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings also sit inside the state's top ten, alongside Sutherland Shire in southern Sydney, a useful reminder that high melanoma rates are not confined to regional areas.

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Sun protection has become a surprisingly contested topic. Social media has circulated a range of claims about sun exposure, sunscreen and skin cancer — a mixture of old misconceptions and newer misunderstandings. It is worth clearing these up, because acting on inaccurate information has real consequences. Skipping sunscreen in the mistaken belief that it is harmful is a poor trade in a country with one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.

Skin check

We often make the mistake of thinking we can only get sunburnt in hot, sunny weather. In truth, hot summer days carry the highest risk, but overcast conditions and high-altitude skiing can be almost as bad. It is even possible to accumulate UV damage indoors or while driving. Sensible precautions are worth taking in all of these situations.

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While it is inevitable that we spend at least some time outdoors, we need to be cautious about exposure to the sun. Sunlight does have some benefits, providing vitamin D and resetting our sleep cycle. But repeated exposure to the sun can cause lasting damage to the skin. Some of this damage, such as pigmentation and premature ageing, is cosmetic; other damage, including precancerous skin changes and actual skin cancer, is very serious. Understanding how the sun affects the skin can help you take practical steps to reduce the risk of long-term damage.

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Australia's climate is different from most other parts of the world. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is higher here, and we have everything from hot, dry summers to humid tropical regions, dry inland areas and thousands of kilometres of wet coastline. These environmental factors can all affect the health of our skin — occasionally improving skin conditions, but more often increasing the risk of problems.

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Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Most skin cancers are related to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, making sun protection an important part of keeping our skin healthy. Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce UV exposure. It works best when combined with other protective measures, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, appropriate clothing and use of shade where possible. We asked Dermatologist Dr Philip Tong about the best ways to protect our skin in the Australian climate.

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Sunlight is an essential part of human health. We need some exposure to sunlight for the body to produce vitamin D, regulate healthy sleep patterns, and improve mood and wellbeing. However, too much exposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the skin, accelerate skin ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Understanding the benefits and risks of sun exposure can help people achieve the right balance, so they can live in better health and reduce the risk of skin issues.

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We would all prefer to have healthy skin. Some of us put considerable effort into improving or at least maintaining the skin we have. Yet, we might be harming our skin with bad habits, by using the wrong treatment for our skin type, or by missing some simple cleaning and protection habits that would be of great benefit to our skin. Good skincare need not be expensive. With skincare, as with most things, it is about finding the right combination of healthy habits and quality products, and not about going to extremes.

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Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. It is especially common in Australia because of our country’s high ultraviolet (UV) exposure levels. Melanomas can develop from pre-existing moles on the skin, but they can quite often develop from otherwise normal-looking skin.

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Preventative methods, including hats and sunscreen, can dramatically reduce the number of skin cancers contracted. Early detection through skin checks can ensure that the remaining skin cancers are successfully treated.

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Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around two in three Australians diagnosed at some point in their lives. This is a combination of the Australian lifestyle and the climate. Early detection of any type of cancer is important, as it significantly improves the effectiveness of the treatment. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important diagnostic tool that aids medical staff in the earlier identification of skin cancer. By combining advanced imaging technologies with intelligent software, AI gives early, accurate information on skin cancer, allowing swift, appropriate treatment.

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Protecting the skin from the sun is a health priority, particularly in Australia where ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are high. This UV damage is cumulative – the exposure builds over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer, and eye damage, and causing at least some premature aging. Education about sun exposure and the danger of UV needs to begin early and continue through adolescence and into working life.

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There are several skin conditions that are relatively common in the general population. Some of these are inherited genetic disorders; others are contracted through physical contact. Both can be affected by lifestyle and diet. All can be treated and sometimes cured through appropriate medical treatment.

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Protection from continuous Sun exposure is vital for reducing the risk of skin cancer, and for the prevention of premature ageing.

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Regular skin checks are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health. Learn why early detection is key, what to expect during a skin check, and how technology like DermScreen makes monitoring your skin easier than ever.