24/07/2026
SKIN CANCER AWARENESS
Winter has once again arrived in Tasmania and people think the need for sun screening and sun care reduces for the next few months. This is certainly not the case!!
Even in winter, sun exposure remains a significant health concern in Tasmania and indeed throughout Australia.
Why Sun Exposure Is Still a Risk in Winter
Tasmania has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world despite its cooler climate. Temperature is not a reliable indicator of ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels. You can be exposed to harmful UV radiation even when the weather is cold, cloudy, or windy.
UV radiation can:
• Damage skin cells and DNA.
• Cause premature skin ageing, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
• Increase the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
• Cause eye damage, including cataracts and some eye cancers.
Winter UV Levels in Tasmania
During winter, UV levels are generally lower than in summer, but they can still reach levels where sun protection is recommended, particularly:
• Around the middle of the day.
• On clear, sunny days.
• At higher altitudes.
• When UV is reflected from surfaces such as water, sand, and snow.
The general, Australian advice is that when the UV Index is 3 or above, sun protection is recommended.
Skin Cancer in Australia
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Skin cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia and more than 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun.
The main types are:
• Melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer, particularly to the 15 – 44 year old age group.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common type.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – can spread if not treated.
Importantly, skin damage accumulates over a lifetime. Even occasional unprotected exposure contributes to long-term risk.
Melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and annually there are approximately 2040 melanoma deaths in Australia.
Who Is Most at Risk?
People at higher risk include:
• Those with fair skin, light eyes, or red/blonde hair.
• People with a family history of skin cancer.
• Individuals with many moles.
• People who spend substantial time outdoors for work or recreation.
• Older Australians, because of cumulative lifetime sun exposure.
Winter Sun Safety Tips
During periods when the UV Index is 3 or above:
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Wear protective clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Use a broad-brimmed hat.
• Wear sunglasses that meet Australian standards.
• Seek shade where practical.
• Check the daily UV forecast for your location.
A Practical Message for Tasmania
A common misconception is that Tasmania’s cool winter temperatures make sunburn unlikely. In reality, UV radiation can still be strong enough to damage skin, particularly during the middle of the day on clear winter days. Monitoring the daily UV Index and using sun protection whenever it reaches 3 or above remains the best approach to reducing the risk of skin cancer and long-term skin damage.
For many Tasmanians, winter is a good time to develop year-round sun-safe habits rather than thinking of sun protection as only a summer issue.
This is the ideal time to have a skin check. In the very near future, Tasman Medical Practice is conducting a;
Book your Skin Check Now!!
The Practice has set aside blocks of appointments on the August 11 and 12 and 02 September for patients to book and undertake a full skin check with one of our qualified General Practitioners. This is a great opportunity for all patients to participate in this programme.
These appointments are in addition to those that can be made at any time with one of our doctors for a skin check.
The Cancer Council Tasmania is conducting a free Community Talk on Skin Cancer Awareness on August 06 at the CWA Hall, 1634 Main Road, Nubeena between 11.30am and 12.30pm.
