Australians still sloppy when it comes to their skin

Many are neglecting cancer checks and some still think sunbathing is safe.

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A recent survey has revealed at least one in two Australians have not had a skin cancer check in the past 12 months, and that many Aussies have risky views regarding sunbathing.

The survey, which was commissioned by The Skin Hospital and involved over 1000 people, revealed that 57% of Aussies have not had their skin checked for potential cancers over the past year – and that over 40% of them weren’t planning to in the next 12 months, either.

Dr Simon Lee, a dermatologist at The Skin Hospital, said the results meant there was “still considerable work to be done to remind the community of the importance of skin checks”.

“Prevention and early intervention really are key when it comes to skin cancer. Despite knowing that we need regular skin checks, it is easy to put it off. We would recommend anyone to book skin checks with a doctor or dermatologist on a regular basis; it’s essential to detect any changes that may indicate the early stages of skin cancer,” he said.

“Screening for skin cancer is easier and less invasive than screening for other forms of cancer, so it should be easier to incorporate into a normal health regimen.”

But it’s not all bad news. The proportion of people who reported not undergoing a skin check in the last 12 months had decreased compared to the 2023 figures, where 64% of people surveyed hadn’t seen a doctor or a dermatologist to monitor for the early stages of skin cancer.

Participants were also asked about their sunscreen habits and sun exposure, namely when, why and how often they wore sunscreen.

Sunscreen use was unsurprisingly affected by the type of activities people participated in: 82% said they were likely to wear sunscreen when going to the beach or park and 65% said they were likely to wear it during while doing outdoor sports or fitness activities, but only 19% said they wore sunscreen while driving.

One in four Australians surveyed said they felt it was safe to sunbathe if they wore sunscreen, which set off alarm bells for Dr Lee.

“There is a lack of understanding around UV levels which is also concerning… UV radiation is responsible for more than 95% of all skin cancers,” he said.

“When wearing sunscreen, it’s still important to wear SPF50, water resistant sunscreen and follow the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide guide.”

Dr Lee reinforced the importance of all Australians getting their skin checked regularly.

“Screening for skin cancer is easier and less invasive than screening for other forms of cancer, so it should be easier to incorporate into a normal health regimen,” he said.

“At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. It’s vital to become familiar with your skin and, if you notice any changes, consult your doctor.”