Why Skin Cancer Awareness Could Save Your Life
- Brilliant Writer
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 2
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You may have read our earlier feature, Confronting the C-Word. In it, we touched on the emotional, physical and personal toll of cancer. Today, we continue that conversation with a spotlight on one of the most preventable, and yet most common, types of cancer in Australia: skin cancer.
Why Australians Need to Be Extra Vigilant
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. In fact, around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70. Our beautiful sunny climate, combined with outdoor lifestyles, means we are exposed to more ultraviolet (UV) radiation than most populations globally.
This exposure, while often invisible and painless in the moment, can cause permanent damage to the skin, leading to melanoma and other skin cancers. The risk increases with every sunburn, every unprotected beach day, and every year that passes without regular skin checks.
Understanding the Risks of Developing Skin Cancer
According to DNA Weekly, there are several factors that heighten the risk of developing skin cancer:
Prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours
Fair skin or light-coloured eyes, which have less melanin for natural protection
A history of sunburns, particularly in childhood
Family or personal history of skin cancer
The presence of moles or unusual skin lesions
Use of tanning beds – these are especially harmful and should be avoided entirely
It’s important to remember that skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect people of all skin tones and ages, even those who consider themselves healthy and active.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Skin
Fortunately, there are easy, practical habits we can all adopt to reduce our risk:
Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Look for broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade, especially between 10am and 4pm when UV radiation is at its strongest.
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection.
Avoid tanning beds altogether. They’re not a safe alternative to sun exposure.
These small actions, practiced regularly, can make a significant difference.
Early Detection: What to Look For
Skin cancer can often be spotted early—if you know what to look for. Be aware of any new or changing moles, freckles or spots. The “ABCDE” rule is a helpful guide:
Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other
Border – edges are irregular or blurred
Colour – varied shades of brown, black, red or white
Diameter – larger than 6mm
Evolving – changes in size, shape or colour
If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. See a GP or dermatologist. Early detection is key to treating skin cancer effectively and with minimal intervention.
A Shared Responsibility
Raising awareness is not just for those at risk, it’s for all of us. A gentle reminder to a friend or loved one to wear sunscreen or book a skin check might be the nudge that saves a life.
At Brilliant-Online, we champion stories that empower and inform. Skin cancer doesn’t have to be a life-altering diagnosis if we stay vigilant, care for our skin and support one another through awareness and action.
Because sometimes, a little awareness is all it takes. ❋
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