Skin cancer: avoiding it
What can I do to avoid skin cancer?
Reduce your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation!
Always protect yourself from the sun when the UV Index is 3 (moderate) or above and minimise time spent in the sun between 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm during daylight saving time). Make UV protection part of your daily routine and combine the following tips.
- Stay in the shade whenever you can.
- Slip on sun-smart clothing that protects your shoulders, arms and legs. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (or at least knee-length shorts) made from a closely woven fabric are best.
- Slap on a sun-smart hat that shades your face, neck and ears — a broad-brimmed hat or a legionnaire’s hat.
- Slop on SPF30+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Sunscreen won’t block out all the UV radiation, so you should never rely on sunscreen alone. It works best if you put it on 20 minutes or so before you go outside and it should be reapplied every 2 hours.
- Wear sunglasses that fit the face well and meet the Australian Standard AS1067.
By following these tips, not only will you reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, you’ll keep your skin looking better for longer as you get older. And if you’ve already damaged your skin through exposure to the sun when you were young (the damage shows in wrinkles and blotches as you age) you can stop things getting worse.
Remember that a solarium will also damage your skin and can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. The Cancer Council NSW discourages the use of all sunbeds.
UV radiation can be reflected by surfaces such as snow, sand, concrete and water so it’s important to use a combination of sun protection measures.
Getting sunburnt in the snow, even when conditions are cold, can be an easy thing to do because snow is highly reflective and UV levels are high in alpine regions. Apply SPF 30+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, wear goggles or wrap-around sunglasses, cover your head and ears, and wear tops with long sleeves and a high neck or collar.
Finding skin cancer early
The sooner any type of skin cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Get to know your own skin
It’s important to get to know your own skin. Most people have moles, birthmarks, freckles and blemishes. If you get to know these well, it’s more likely you’ll recognise what’s normal for you and what may have changed since you last looked.
Talk to your general practitioner (GP) about your risk factors. Most GPs can help you understand your personal risk factors, check your skin for suspicious spots, treat some skin cancers and ensure appropriate follow-up care.
The Cancer Council NSW has information on getting your skin checked as well as how to check your own skin so that you notice changes — ring the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20. And if you do notice a change, see your doctor immediately.
Remember, most skin cancers can be cured — if they’re found early.
Last Reviewed: 01 January 2007
