Early detection and cancer prevention

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.

More than 430,000 Australians are treated a year for skin cancers.

Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

The major cause of skin cancer is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes in the sun so it is very important to protect your skin from UV radiation.

Skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting yourself against sun damage and sun burn.

Follow these simple steps to reduce your risk.

• cover up by wearing clothes made from light fabrics
• wear a hat that covers your face, ears and shoulders
• wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 +
• stay in the shade
• wear sunglasses that meet the Australian standard AS 1067.