Phone
(03) 5100 7722
Fax
(03) 5100 7723
Address
3 Hardys Road
Metung, VIC 3909
Monday: 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday: 9am-5 pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 9am -5 pm
Friday: 9am -5 pm
Outside these hours contact us on (03) 5100 7722 and leave a message. We will contact you within 2-3 working days to arrange an appointment or deal with your concern.
After hours, please phone Bairnsdale Hospital on (03) 5150 3333 for help and advice or call ambulance if the matter is urgent
Emergency Services: 000
Useful links
What changes to look out for? Skin cancer Warning Signs
¨ New moles, lump or freckles
¨ Change in size, shape or colour of an existing mole, e.g. lighter, darker and new shades
¨ A spot that develops a lump within it or becomes raised
¨ A spot or lump that bleeds or weeps
¨ A sore, cut, scratch or ulcer that does not heal
¨ Red/ Pink spot which persists after few weeks or bleeds without history of trauma
¨ Spot that Itches, burns, tingles or has foreign body sensation
¨ Spot that has irregular or notched border
¨ Changes in the surrounding area of moles, e.g. redness, white discolouration, swelling
¨ Spots that looks different from your other spots
¨ Rough, scaly or crusty spot that is sore or persists.
¨ If someone comments on a skin lesion in a place you can’t see yourself (especially the back)
If in doubt see a doctor sooner rather than later.
Are you a high –risk patient?
If you answer “ yes” to any of these questions, you are at high risk of developing melanoma and you should have regular skin checks.
colour?
Sibling or child) has been diagnosed with melanoma.
medications used after organ transplant (immunosuppressant) or those
used for treatment of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are a high-risk patient, you should:
¨ Examine your skin at least four times a year e.g. at the start of each new season.
¨ Have total body skin examination with medical professional at least once a year.
¨ Your doctor may also suggest you have mole map.
¨ If you do not know your risk, it is strongly recommended that you have a full skin check with an experienced doctor to assess your risk and develop an ongoing surveillance program.
Facts about Vitamin D & Sun Exposure:
Who is at risk of deficiency?
Sept – April (UV 3 and above)
May – Aug (UV below 3)
Near reflective surfaces (snow)
Outside for extended periods
Skin and Mole Check - Why?
Early detection is the key!
Why make skin cancer prevention a consideration?
before the age of 70
The following information is taken from Cancer Council Victoria and SUN SMART websites.
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin.
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older.
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun produces UV radiation but it can also come from other sources, such as solarium tanning machines
Most parts of Australia have high levels of UV radiation all year round.
This radiation cannot be seen or felt but can cause:
Each time your unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, it changes the structure of cells and affects what they do.
Exposure to UV radiation permanently damages the skin. This damage adds up over time. The most important years for sun protection are during childhood. However, increased protection against sun exposure will help prevent skin cancer at whatever age it's used.
Skin cancer is related to two factors: a person’s total lifetime exposure to UV radiation and the pattern of exposure they have had. Research suggests that while skin cells are often damaged in childhood, it may be sun exposure in adulthood that triggers these damaged cells to turn cancerous.
Sometimes melanoma happens by chance and isn't linked to sun exposure, but this is uncommon.
Sunburn
Solariums
The major cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources, including solariums. The levels of UV radiation emitted from solariums can be up to six times as strong as the midday summer sun.
Solariums emit UVA and UVB radiation, both known causes of cancer. Cancer Council Australia does not recommend solarium use for cosmetic tanning under any circumstances.
In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer re-classified solariums as a Group 1 carcinogen – in the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Research published in 2008 found that 281 melanomas, 43 deaths, and 2,572 squamous cell carcinomas were attributable to solarium use in Australia each year, at a cost to the health system of around $3 million.
Tanning
A tan is not a sign of good health or wellbeing, despite many Australians referring to a ‘healthy tan’. There is no such thing as a safe tan – whether from the sun or a solarium. Tanning is a sign your skin cells are in trauma and the more that your skin is overexposed to UV radiation, the greater your risk of skin cancer.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of their skin colour or general health. However, the risk is higher for people who:
People with olive or very dark skin have more natural protection against skin cancer because their skin produces more melanin than fair-skinned people. However, because UV radiation is so strong in Australia, very dark and olive-skinned people still need to protect their skin.
Talk to your doctor about your risks for skin cancer. Your GP can give you advice about checking your skin.
Sometimes melanoma runs in families. For most people this is due to factors such as similar skin type or too much sun exposure in childhood. However, in a small number of people (5% to 10%), melanoma may be caused by an inherited faulty gene.
Risk factors for family skin cancer include:
If you're concerned that you have family risk factors, talk to your doctor about having regular skin checks. To find out more call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
The more moles you have on your skin, the higher the risk of the most dangerous type of skin cancer – melanoma.
Moles are overgrowths of melanocytes (a type of skin cell). We are not normally born with moles, but most of us will develop some on our skin by 15 years of age.
The number of moles we develop is determined by genetic (inherited) factors and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Australians tend to have more moles than people living in other countries, possibly because of childhood sun exposure.
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It covers the body, protecting it from injury, regulating its temperature and preventing it from becoming dehydrated. Skin, like all other body tissues, is made up of cells. It has two main layers called the epidermis and the dermis.
This is the top, outer layer of the skin. It contains three different kinds of cells:
Basal cells multiply constantly and the older cells move upwards in the epidermis. When they flatten out and form a layer they become squamous cells. The top layer of your skin is made up of dead skin cells which eventually fall off.
When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make extra melanin to protect the skin from getting burnt. This is what causes skin to tan. Melanocytes are also in non-cancerous (benign) spots on the skin called moles or naevi. Most moles are brown, tan or pink in colour and round in shape.
This is the layer underneath the epidermis. It contains the roots of hairs, sweat glands, blood and lymph vessels and nerves.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
Like all body tissues our skin is made up of cells: basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes.
Skin cancer generally stands out as being quite different to surrounding skin. If a spot strikes you as being a bit odd, take it seriously – it is worth getting it checked out.
Become familiar with the look of your skin, so you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for:
Melanoma can vary greatly in the way it looks. The first sign of a melanoma is usually a new spot or a change in an existing mole.
It's normal for new moles to appear and change during childhood and pregnancy. However, all adults who have a new mole should get it examined. Even if you've had a mole checked before and it was assessed as benign, keep an eye on it because it could change in the future. Talk to your doctor immediately about any changes.
This is the most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer .BCC makes up about 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Often BCCs have no symptoms. They tend to grow slowly and don't usually spread to other parts of the body. The earlier a BCC is found, the easier it will be to treat. However, if BCC is left untreated or grows larger than 5 cm, it may grow deeper into the skin and damage nearby tissue. This may make treatment more difficult and increase the chance of the BCC returning.
SCC accounts for about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
SCCs tend to grow quickly over several weeks or months. This type of skin cancer is not as dangerous as melanoma but may spread to other parts of the body – particularly the lips, ears, scalp or temples – if left untreated.
Melanoma develops from melanocytes (pigment cells). It usually occurs on parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun. However, melanoma can also start in a part of the skin or an other part of the body that's never been exposed to the sun, such as the nervous system, eye and mucous membrane (lining of the mouth and digestive tract).
Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer but it is the most serious.
Left untreated, a melanoma may spread deeper into the skin where cancer cells can escape and be carried in lymph vessels or blood vessels to other parts of the body. The earlier melanoma is diagnosed, the better the chance of cure. If found early, melanoma is often curable.
Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks and if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
It is usually flat with an uneven smudgy outline.
It may be blotchy and more than one colour – brown, black, blue, red or grey.
Use ABCD to look for melanoma where:
ABCD melanoma detection guide | |
| A is for Asymmetry - Look for spots that lack symmetry. That is, if a line was drawn through the middle, the two sides would not match up. | |
| B is for Border - A spot with a spreading or irregular edge (notched). | |
| C is for Colour - Blotchy spots with a number of colours such as black, blue, red, white and/or grey. | |
| D is for Diameter - Look for spots that are getting bigger. | |
Skin melanomas are called cutaneous melanomas. Cutaneous melanomas are categorised by how thick they are, how far they've spread and the way they look.
Nodular melanoma: Makes up about 15% of melanomas. A highly dangerous form of melanoma that looks different from common melanomas – they are raised from the start and even in colour (often red or pink and some are brown or black). However, nodular melanoma can sometimes be pink or red, or have no pigment at all. This type of melanoma grows quickly and can be life threatening if not detected and removed quickly.
This is when the abnormal cancer cells are only in the epidermis and haven't penetrated into the dermis.
For more information about melanoma call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for a free booklet.
Not all spots that appear on your skin are cancerous. However, freckles, moles or sunspots are warning signs that your skin has had too much sun exposure and you may be at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
A mole (naevus) is a normal growth on the skin. Moles (naevi) develop when the pigment-producing cells of the skin (melanocytes) grow in groups.
Moles are very common. Some people have many moles on their body and this can run in families. Overexposure to the sun, especially in childhood, can also lead to more moles growing on the skin.
Moles can range in colour. They are generally medium to dark brown but can also be skin-coloured or black.
The majority of moles are flat, relatively even in colour and regular in shape. Some moles are raised and these are usually soft to touch and lighter in colour.
Almost all of us have moles. Moles are not normally present at birth, but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of 15, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles.
Normal moles usually look alike. See your doctor if a mole looks different or if a new mole appears after the age of 25. The more moles a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma.
Although you may notice one or more skin changes, it does not necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, however it is important that you visit your GP to have them investigated further. Your GP can discuss your skin cancer risk and advise you on your need for medical checks or self-examination.
It can be difficult to know whether something on your skin is a harmless mole or normal sun damage, or a sign of cancer. When in doubt, speak to your GP.
These moles look different to ordinary moles and may evolve to melanomas. If you have multiple dysplastic moles you are at greater risk of melanoma. See your doctor if you think you have moles with the following 'dysplastic' features:
If you have these moles, check your skin regularly for any changes and look for new skin spots. If you notice any changes, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend regular checks with a dermatologist (skin specialist).
Dysplastic naevus
Red, scaly spots on the skin that feel rough are called sunspots (solar keratoses). They usually occur in people aged over 40 on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, hands, forearms and legs. Rarely, solar keratoses may develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
| Sunspots (solar keratoses) | |
Spots, blemishes, freckles and moles, similar to those pictured above, are signs of sun-damaged skin. They are usually harmless, but if you notice them changing, see a doctor.
See a doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything that looks like one of these, especially melanoma and nodular melanoma . Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks.
There is a lot of variation in how skin cancers look; your skin spots may vary from the examples shown.
Skin cancer generally stands out as being quite different to surrounding skin. If a spot strikes you as being a bit odd, take it seriously – it is worth getting it checked out .
Skin cancer mostly appears as a new and unusual looking spot. It may also appear as an existing spot that has changed in colour, size or shape.
Here are some different types of skin cancers
Over 95% of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early.
The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
Many melanomas are discovered by people themselves or by a family member.
It's important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you so changes will be quickly noticed. Don't just rely on an annual skin check to detect any suspicious spots.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles.
Cancer Council recommends all adults; particularly those aged 40 and over, should:
Tips for checking your own skin
It's time to go through a do-it-yourself skin examination: first find a room with good light and a full length mirror. If you are on your own have a hand-held mirror to check difficult to see areas. Undress completely and start examining your skin, body part-by-body part, until you have checked your whole body.
These are some changes to look out for when checking your skin for signs of any cancer:
Skin cancer is diagnosed by physical examination and biopsy.
Biopsy is a quick and simple procedure where part or all of the spot is removed and sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Results may take about a week to be ready.
The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
Skin cancer is treated in a variety of ways. This will depend on several factors, including:
Surgery is the most common and successful treatment for skin cancer. The operation is usually a quick and simple procedure but it can be more complicated if the skin cancer is on your face, scalp or lower legs.
The doctor, who may be a plastic surgeon, will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area, then cut out the skin cancer and close up the wound using stitches. They will remove an area around the cancer to check if all of the cancer has been removed.
A larger skin cancer may need a larger area of skin removed. In this case, you may need a skin flap or skin graft to replace the removed skin. In a skin flap, nearby skin is pulled over the wound and stitched. Less commonly, a shaving of skin from another part of the body will be used to cover the area where the skin cancer was removed. This is a skin graft. Sometimes further surgery is needed if tests show the cancer hasn't been completely removed. Call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for more information about surgery.
Mohs' surgery is a type of surgery that's also known as microscopically controlled excision.
The cancer is removed little by little and the tissue is checked under the microscope immediately. The removal continues until only healthy tissue remains. This reduces the amount of healthy skin that is removed while making sure all the cancer has been taken out.
Mohs' surgery is sometimes used to treat large skin cancers that have gone deep (penetrated) into the skin or have come back. It can also be used for cancers in areas that are difficult to treat, such as the skin near the eye.
Mohs' surgery is not commonly used because it's a highly specialised surgery and is available only at some hospitals. It costs more than other types of surgery.
Curettage and cautery treatment is mainly used for superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). A local anaesthetic is given and the cancer is scooped out with a small, sharp, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette. Electric current is then applied (cautery) to stop bleeding and to destroy any remaining tumour. The wound may be sore for a few days, then it will weep and form a crust. It should heal within a few weeks, leaving a pale white scar.
Sunspots and superficial BCCs may be treated using a freezing technique called cryotherapy (sometimes called cryosurgery). This technique isn't usually used for skin spots close to the eye.
Liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the abnormal skin spot and a small area of skin around it. It can feel like a stinging sensation when applied. The liquid nitrogen freezes and kills the abnormal skin cells and creates a wound. The wound will be slightly sore and red for a few days and may weep or develop a blister.
After about 10 days, a crust will form on the wound and the dead tissue will fall off. New, healthy skin cells will grow and a scar may form. Healing can take a few weeks. The main side effect of cryotherapy is a change in skin pigmentation. The new, healed skin will probably look more pale and white than the surrounding skin.
| Before treatment | Immediately after treatment |
Imiquimod (Aldara®) is a cream that stimulates the body's immune system to destroy the cancer. It's used to treat sunspots and superficial BCCs. Imiquimod cream doesn't work for some people. If it's not effective, another type of treatment will be used.
For superficial BCCs the cream is applied, five days a week, for up to six weeks. The treated skin may become red and inflamed but it's usually not sore.
Some people have other side effects, such as headaches or flu-like symptoms, while using imiquimod. It's important to ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much cream to apply, and about any potential side effects.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light source with a cream to treat sunspots and superficial BCCs.
First the area is gently scraped and a light-sensitive cream is applied to the skin. This is left on for about three hours, and then a light is shone on the area for 7 to 8 minutes. Afterwards, the treated area is covered with a bandage to protect it from light for 24 hours. PDT usually needs to be repeated after about 2 to 4 weeks.
Some people experience pain during PDT, particularly if having treatment to the face. You'll be given a local anaesthetic before the PDT to help ease the pain.
Radiotherapy treats cancer by using x-rays to kill cancer cells. It's usually used in areas that are hard to treat with surgery, such as skin near the eyes, nose or forehead. It can also be used for skin cancers that have grown deeply into the skin.
You'll lie on a treatment table while the radiotherapy machine is positioned around you. This can take 10 to 30 minutes but the radiotherapy treatment itself will probably only take a few minutes.
Treatment sessions are usually given over several weeks.
Skin in the treatment area may become red and sore after 2 to 3 weeks of radiotherapy. For more information about managing this side effect and any others, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for a free copy of the booklet Understanding Radiotherapy.
Skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma) can spread to the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands). Lymph nodes are roughly the size of a kidney bean and are located in the neck, groin, pelvis, stomach and underarms. They're involved in the body's fight against infection and cancer. If the cancer has spread, the doctor may recommend a lymph node dissection. This means that the cancerous lymph nodes are cut out. This procedure will reduce the chance of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body or coming back.
Wednesday 31 October, 2012
Melanoma that's found early can be treated successfully. Your medical team will discuss the best treatment for you based on how far the melanoma has spread.
Surgery is the main treatment for early stage (localised) melanoma. Most of the time this is the only treatment needed.
The surgeon will do a wide local excision. This means the area where the melanoma was and a small amount of normal looking skin will be cut out. This is called a safety margin, and is done to make sure all the cancer cells have been removed. The safety margin is usually between 5mm and 2cm, depending on the thickness of the melanoma. The surgeon will stitch up the wound.
A wide local excision is often performed as a day procedure using local anaesthetic. You'll have a general anaesthetic if you have a sentinel node biopsy (see Diagnosing melanoma). Many people with melanomas thicker than 1mm also have this procedure at the same time as the wide local excision.
A pathologist will check the tissue around the melanoma for cancer cells. If the sample doesn't have any cancer cells, it's called a clear margin. If the margins aren't clear, you may need further treatment.
Most people will be able to have the wound drawn together with stitches. If the surgery wound is too big to close with stitches, the surgeon may cover the wound using some skin from another part of your body. This can be done in two ways:
The decision about whether to do a skin graft or flap will depend on many factors, such as where the melanoma is on your body, how much tissue has been removed and your general health. In either case, the melanoma wound will be covered with dressing and left for several days. It will then be checked to see if it's healing properly. You'll also have dressings on any area from which skin was taken for a graft.
You may be uncomfortable for a few days after a wide local excision. Your doctor will prescribe pain-killers if necessary. If you have a skin graft, the area on which the skin is grafted may look unattractive immediately after the operation. Eventually this area will heal and the redness will fade. Your medical team will tell you how to keep the wound clean to prevent it from becoming infected. In rare cases, the original skin graft fails and a new skin graft is needed.
Your total recovery time varies depending on the thickness of the tumour and the extent of the surgery required. Most people feel better in a week or two. Your doctor can also give you information about any bruising or scarring that you may have after surgery.
If the melanoma has spread to your lymph nodes, they'll be removed in an operation called a lymph node dissection or lymphadenectomy. The lymph nodes you have removed will depend on the location of the primary melanoma. There are large groups of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin. For example, if you have a melanoma in your leg, then the lymph nodes in your groin on the same side will be taken out. If your melanoma is on your head, then the lymph nodes in your neck nearest to the part of your head affected will be removed.
If the lymph nodes have been surgically removed from the groin or armpit area, swelling of the leg or arm on the same side is the most common problem. This is called lymphoedema and happens due to a build up of lymph fluid in a part of the body. The likelihood of lymphoedema following treatment depends on the extent of the surgery and whether you've had radiotherapy. It can develop a few weeks or even several years after treatment. Though lymphoedema is permanent, it can usually be managed.
Like most treatments, having your lymph nodes removed can cause side effects.
Occasionally, other treatments are used after surgery if there's a risk that the melanoma could come back. These are known as adjuvant treatments. They include targeted therapies and biological therapies.
Adjuvant treatments are often given as part of a clinical trial.
It's important to take a balanced approach to UV exposure to help with vitamin D levels while minimising your risk of skin cancer by using a combination of sun protection methods.
Skin cancer kills nearly 2,000 Australians each year – more than the national road toll – and two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and it's never too late for prevention, whether you're six, 16 or 60.
Overexposure to UV radiation causes skin and eye damage, sunburn, tanning and ultimately can result in skin cancer.
Sunburn occurs when too much UV radiation affects the skin. Skin turns red within two to six hours of being burnt. It will continue to develop for the next 24 to 72 hours. If enough UV exposure has occurred to cause sunburn, the damaged skin may become more sensitive to infrared radiation (heat).
The more exposure to UV radiation, the worse the sunburn becomes. The amount of sun exposure required to cause sunburn varies greatly from person to person. People with very fair, fair and light brown skin tend to be more sensitive to the sun and burn more easily. In summer, a fair-skinned person can burn in as little as 11 minutes. People with darker skin are less sensitive to the sun and may rarely burn.
Sunburn at any age, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage that can lay the groundwork for skin cancer later in life. Your lifetime tally of UV radiation exposure, together with the number of severe sunburns, increases your risk of skin cancer.
Eye damage related to UV exposure includes photoconjunctivitis, which is also known as snow blindness or welders flash, photokeratitis, macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygiums and skin cancer of the conjunctiva and skin surrounding the eye.
Premature ageing including skin wrinkling, sagging, blotchiness and roughness is caused by exposure to UV radiation.
Photosensitivity is an abnormally high sensitivity of the skin or eyes to UV radiation exposure. The skin can burn more easily increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Photosensitivity is caused by ingesting, inhaling or coming into skin contact with photosensitisers – substances that cause photosensitivity. Photosensitisers include industrial chemicals, drugs, plants and some essential oils and fragrances. Some medications can cause photosensitivity. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, as alternate medication may be available.
Information on substances which cause photosensitivity can be found in the Guidance note for the protection of workers from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight from Safe Work Australia.
In Victoria from September to April, UV reaches damaging levels of 3 and above; increasing the risk of skin cancer. Check the sun protection times every day at sunsmart.com.au, via the free SunSmart app, or in the weather section of major daily newspapers and use a combination of the five SunSmart steps when protection is required:
Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.
During this time of year, most people will only need a few minutes of mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun exposure to help with vitamin D. People with naturally very dark skin may need more sun exposure.
This can generally be achieved by going about day-to-day activities. Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense. Prolonged sun exposure does not result in increased vitamin D levels, but does increase the risk of skin cancer. Sensible sun protection should not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
In Victoria from May to August, when the UV falls below 3, sun protection is not required unless outside for extended periods, near highly reflective surfaces such as snow, or when the UV reaches 3 and above.
During these months, most people need between two to three hours of midday winter sun exposure spread over a week to help with their vitamin D levels. People with naturally very dark skin may need more sun exposure.
To find out if you're getting enough sun for vitamin D, try SunSmart's vitamin D tracker, available on the free SunSmart app or online at sunsmart.com.au.
If you're worried about your vitamin D levels, speak to your doctor. Levels can be tested with a simple blood test and options such as supplements can be discussed depending on your circumstances.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the invisible killer that you can't see or feel. UV radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days. This means you can't rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun.
The SunSmart UV Alert is a tool you can use to protect yourself from UV radiation. It tells you the time during the day that you need to be SunSmart.
The SunSmart UV Alert is reported daily by the Bureau of Meteorology. The alert identifies times during the day when the UV level is 3 or above. At that level, it can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer and therefore sun protection is needed.
As well as appearing on the Bureau of Meteorology website, the alert is published in the weather section of daily newspapers, on Cancer Council Australia's home page, on some radio and mobile weather forecasts and as an app for smartphones.
For smartphone users, our free SunSmart app is a great way to check the UV Alert when you are out and about. iPhone users can download it at the iTunes App Store, Android users at Google Play and Samsung users at Samsung Apps.
You can also check the Alert for cities and towns across Australia with the widget on our home page. If you have your own website you can download our widget free of charge.
So whether you are at work, home or on the move, you can easily and quickly check the times of the day when sun protection is needed.
Look or listen for the Alert when you are:
If an Alert has been issued, you need to protect yourself during the times indicated.
The daily sun protection times are calculated from the UV alert, consisting of the times of the day when the UV is predicted to be 3 or above. When the UV is 3 and above it can be damaging to the skin.
SunSmart recommends using a combination of the five sun protection measures during the daily sun protection times: Slip on clothing , Slop on SPF30 or higher sunscreen , Slap on a hat , Seek shade and Slide on sunnies .
Remember: UV levels are most intense in the middle of the day.
One of the best barriers between your skin and the sun is clothing, so try to cover as much skin as possible. Long pants and shirts with a collar and long sleeves are best.
Not all clothing fabric is equal. Look for a swing tag with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating to be sure. The UPF rating provides information on how much UV radiation will pass through unstretched, dry material. Any fabric rated above UPF15 provides good protection against UV radiation, but UPF50+ is recommended. Sun-protective clothing provides protection by absorbing and reflecting UV radiation that strikes the surface of the fabric and by covering as much of the body as possible.
Most fabrics will however provide some protection from the sun regardless of if they are UPF rated or not. Try to choose fabric structures, colours and other characteristics that increase protection including:
Never just rely on clothing alone for sun protection. During the daily sun protection times (when the UV Index is 3 and above), combine sun-protective clothing with SPF30 or higher sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat that protects the face, head, neck and ears, shade and sunglasses.
| Links & Downloads | Format | Size |
| Sun protective clothing information sheet Information about using clothing to protect your skin from UV exposure and damage. |
Sunscreen is one of the most common methods of sun protection. SunSmart recommends SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.
In laboratory conditions, when used as directed, SPF30 sunscreen filters 96.7% of UV radiation and SPF 50 filters 98%. Both provide excellent protection as long as they are applied properly. ‘Broad-spectrum’ means that the sunscreen filters both UVA and UVB radiation.
When using sunscreen, remember:
Apply sunscreen liberally – at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen resulting in only 50-80% of the protection stated on the product.
Browse for and buy suncreen from the Cancer Council Shop today
Evidence suggests that childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer and babies’ skin is sensitive and can burn easily. Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies out of the sun as much as possible for the first 12 months.
The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends the use of a sunscreen ‘at any age when there is unavoidable exposure to the sun’ and states sunscreen is safe to use on babies. However it is best to keep babies under 12 months out of direct sun during the sun protection times, or well protected using other forms of sun protection. Many brands of sunscreen have a baby or toddler formula. These are just as protective, but gentler on their skin. Test the sunscreen on a small area of the child’s skin before using it, to make sure there is no reaction.
Advice from the National Health and Medical Research Council states that children who are able to apply their own sunscreen (under supervision) should be encouraged to do so. This fosters independence and responsibility. For those unable to apply sunscreen, it is recommended that if a carer is doing 'mass sunscreen applying' they should wash their hands before and after the task. They can use a different tissue for each child when applying the sunscreen, however, unless the child (or the carer) has a visible skin disease or a cold/virus, it is not really an infection-control issue. If a child does have a visible skin disease e.g. eczema or open skin wound, or a cold/virus, their sunscreen should be applied last using gloves or a tissue.
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma, is Australia’s most common cancer. Regular sunscreen use has been proven to prevent basal cell carcinomas and melanomas.
Nanotechnology has been used in sunscreens for many years. To date, our assessment, drawing on the best available evidence, is that nanoparticles used in sunscreens do not pose a risk. However, we continue to monitor research and welcome any new research that sheds more light on this topic.
Sunscreen formulas and their components are regulated through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA has conducted a review of the scientific literature in relation to the use of nanoparticle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens.
The TGA's report concerning the safety of sunscreens can be found here.
The TGA review concluded that:
Since the TGA’s review, more recent research into nanoparticles has been undertaken in Australia. A study published in early 2014 exposed human immune cells (called macrophages) to zinc oxide nanoparticles to see how they would respond. The study showed that the human immune system effectively absorbed the nanoparticles and broke them down.
The study did not look at whether the particles are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The current available evidence indicates that this does not happen and the particles remain on the surface of the skin.
Sunscreens also use ‘microfine’ or ‘micronised’ particles, which are larger than nanoparticles:
In the manufacturing process used to produce microfine particles, some particles can inadvertently be ground smaller, ending up being classified as nano-sized. Manufacturers advise this is a small percentage of the total, generally less than one per cent and does not classify the sunscreen as nano-based.
Cancer Council looks closely at TGA's advice, as well as our own evidence-based reviews. There is no credible evidence that sunscreens containing nanoparticles pose a health risk. Sunscreen has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
Have you ever been burnt while wearing sunscreen? Many people get caught out with sunscreen because they don’t apply enough to start with and forget to re-apply every two hours.
Try the SunSmart sunscreen calculator to work out how much sunscreen you’ll need today.
How to apply sunscreen: For maximum protection, use SPF 30+ or higher broad spectrum sunscreen with a hat, sunglasses, clothing and shade. Reapply every 2 hours or more frequently after swimming or working up a sweat. Use the sunscreen calculator to find out how much you need to apply.
Broad brimmed and bucket hats provide the best sun protection for the face, head, ears and neck. Legionnaire hats also provide good UV protection. Baseball caps do not protect the face, head, ears and neck. A good sun protective hat will protect your eyes too.
When choosing your hat, remember:
When choosing a hat for young children, consider the size and comfort, the amount of shade it provides and if it will obstruct vision or hearing.
Many babies and toddlers do not like to wear hats. Persistence is needed to teach them that a hat is part of their outside routine. For babies, choose a design such as a soft legionnaire hat that will crumple easily when they put their head down.
Hats that can be adjusted at the crown or can be tied at the front to help secure it on a child’s head are best. If the hat is secured with a long strap and toggle, ensure it has a safety snap, place the strap at the back of their head or trim the length so it doesn’t become a choking hazard.
Head lice have not been found to live in hats. Head lice very rarely fall from the head and require blood to survive. Head lice feed three to four times a day and without blood, will dehydrate in six hours in a dry climate and 24 hours in a humid climate. An egg requires warmth to hatch and is the reason why they are laid close to the scalp. The further away from the scalp, the less likely they are to survive. Hats do not provide the right conditions for head lice to survive and thrive. For further information see Department of Health – head lice and Better Health Channel .
Shade is a practical, user-friendly form of sun protection. Well-designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce UV exposure as well as create cool, comfortable spaces for physical activity and recreation.
Shade can be:
SunSmart recommends outdoor spaces include:
Things to think about when using portable shade:
Remember that shade does not provide 100% protection. Some of the sun's UV can still reach you in the shade by reflecting off surrounding surfaces. As a rule of thumb if you can see the sky, you are less than fully protected so always combine shade with clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Exposure to UV radiation over long periods can lead to serious damage to the eyes. If practical try to protect the eyes all year using sunglasses.
Too much UV radiation to the eyes can cause short term complaints such as:
Exposure to UV radiation over long periods can lead to more serious damage to the eyes such as:
During the sun protection times, you can use a hat and / or sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation.When there is no UV Alert (and no sun protection times), SunSmart does not recommend the use of a hat for eye protection due to vitamin D requirements.
Since eye damage from UV radiation builds over time, it is important to protect the eyes of children, which are particularly sensitive to UV radiation.
Sunglasses designed for babies and toddlers have soft elastic to keep them in place.It is important to choose a style that stays on securely so that the arms don't become a safety hazard.
Toy sunglasses do not meet the requirements under the Australian Standard and should not be used for sun protection.
Some young children may be reluctant to wear sunglasses.You can still protect their eyes by putting on a broad-brimmed hat and staying in the shade.
Some outdoor workers need protection from flying particles, dust, splashing materials and harmful gases. Tinted eye protectors that meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS1337.1:2010 (Eye and face protectors for occupational applications) provide sun protection, and reduce glare outside. Untinted eye protectors marked 'O' also have sufficient UV protection for outdoor use.
Sunglasses which meet the AS1067 standard, worn together with a broad brimmed hat, can reduce the amount of UV reaching the eyes by up to 98%.
If you need protection from flying particles, dust, splashing materials or harmful gases, sunglasses which comply with both the AS1067 and AS/NZS1337 should be worn.
Reflective surfaces, such as water and snow, increase your risk of sun damage as these surfaces also reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In some cases you can almost get a double dose of UV – directly from the sun and reflected off the snow. In fact, clean snow reflects up to 90% of UV radiation on a clear day.
In addition, the air is cleaner in mountain areas, so less of the harmful UV rays are absorbed by the atmosphere. Measurements taken in Victoria suggest increases in UV of around 20–30% with every 1000m increase in altitude. The Australian Alps are 1800–2300m above sea, so UV radiation can be much more intense than at sea level.
So if you are heading for the slopes, check out these SunSmart tips:
All skin types can be damaged by too much UV radiation. Skin types that are more sensitive to UV radiation burn more quickly and are at a greater risk of skin cancer.
People with naturally very dark skin (usually skin type V or VI) still need to take care in the sun even though they may rarely, if ever, get sunburnt. The larger amount of melanin in very dark skin provides natural protection from UV radiation. This means the risk of skin cancer is lower.
Eye damage can occur regardless of skin type. High levels of UV radiation have also been linked to harmful effects on the immune system.
People with very dark skin do not normally need to apply sunscreen (but this remains a personal decision) but they should wear hats or sunglasses to protect their eyes.
Vitamin D deficiency may be a greater health concern for people with naturally very dark skin, as it is more difficult for people with this skin type to make vitamin D. People with naturally darker skin may require up to three to six times more sun exposure to help with their vitamin D levels.
Skin types | |
| Type I Often burns, rarely tans. Tends to have freckles, red or fair hair, blue or green eyes. | |
| Type II Usually burns, sometimes tans. Tends to have light hair, blue or brown eyes. | |
| Type III Sometimes burns, usually tans. Tends to have brown hair and eyes. | |
| Type IV Rarely burns, often tans. Tends to have dark brown eyes and hair. | |
| Type V Dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans profusely. | |
| Type VI Deeply pigmented, dark brown to black skin. Never burns. | |
Cancer Council Australia would like to thank Cancer Research UK for the provision of these skin type images.
Skin types which are more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation burn more quickly and are at a greater risk of skin cancer.
The sun’s UV radiation is both a major cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and muscles and general health.
In Australia, we need to balance the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
From September to April in Victoria (when UV levels are generally 3 and above), most people need just a few minutes of sun exposure mid-morning or mid-afternoon on most days of the week to help with vitamin D. Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense.
Even with sunscreen you can still get some vitamin D. Sun safe outdoor play throughout the day should not put your child at risk of low vitamin D.
From May to August, when Victoria’s UV levels are usually low (generally UV levels fall below 3), encourage children to roll up their sleeves, take off their hats and be active outdoors. To help winter vitamin D levels, aim for about 2 to 3 hours of sun exposure each week.
Children with naturally very dark skin may need even more sun exposure to help with vitamin D.
If you are concerned about your child’s vitamin D, speak with your maternal and child health nurse or doctor.
Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is needed for healthy bones and muscles and for general health. The sun's UV radiation triggers our body to produce vitamin D when it directly touches the skin.
Some foods, such as oily fish and eggs contain small amounts of vitamin D, while margarine and some types of milk have vitamin D added to them. Food however, only makes a small contribution (approximately 10%) to the body's overall vitamin D levels and it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from diet alone.
The best source of vitamin D is UV-B radiation from the sun. UV radiation levels vary depending on location, time of year, time of day, cloud coverage and the environment.
For most people, adequate vitamin D levels are reached through regular daily activity and incidental exposure to the sun. During summer, the majority of people can maintain adequate vitamin D levels from a few minutes of exposure to sunlight on their face, arms and hands or the equivalent area of skin on either side of the peak UV periods (the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense) on most days of the week.
In winter in the southern parts of Australia, where UV radiation levels are less intense, people may need about two to three hours of sunlight to the face, arms and hands, or equivalent area of skin, spread over a week to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. In winter in northern parts of Australia, people will continue to maintain adequate vitamin D levels going about their day-to-day activities, so it is not necessary to deliberately seek UV radiation exposure.
Most Australians need sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above. UV radiation levels in northern states are higher than southern states, so in some parts of Australia, sun protection is needed all year around at certain times of the day. In these areas, it is safe to go outside without sun protection in the early morning and late afternoon when the UV Index is below 3.
However in southern states, there are times of the year when sun protection may not be necessary. People in southern states may not need sun protection from May to August when the UV Index is likely to be below 3. The only exception is if they are at high altitudes or near highly reflective surfaces like snow or water.
Some people are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
The following groups may be more at risk of vitamin D deficiency:
If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, visit your doctor who can advise you on testing and treatment, including supplementation.
Solariums should never be used to boost vitamin D levels as they emit dangerous levels of UV which increases the risk of skin cancer.
Vitamin D deficiency
Low levels of vitamin D may have no obvious symptoms but, without treatment, can have significant health effects.
Vitamin D deficiency causes bone and muscle pain, poor bone mineralisation (softer bones) leading to rickets (bone deformity) in children and osteomalacia in adults. The evidence is unequivocal – vitamin D is crucial for bone and muscle development and in the prevention of osteoporosis. There have also been links with an increased risk of bowel cancer, heart disease, infections and auto-immune diseases, although more research is needed to determine whether increasing vitamin D levels can prevent these conditions.
The amount of UV exposure needed to maintain vitamin D levels depends on the time of year, location, skin type, day-to-day activity and individual circumstances.
Vitamin D levels can naturally vary throughout the seasons. Most Victorians will produce enough vitamin D in summer, when UV levels are higher. However, most Victorians' levels will be lower in winter, when UV levels are low, as people tend to cover their skin and stay indoors. Our bodies only store enough vitamin D to last between 30 and 60 days.
From May to August in Victoria, sun protection is not recommended unless:
During winter it is recommended that people be physically active outdoors in the middle of the day, with some skin exposed, for most days of the week to help generate vitamin D.
From September to April in Victoria, UV levels regularly reach 3 or higher. At these levels, UV rays will damage unprotected skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Sun protection is required during sun proteciton times at this time of year.
Most people make enough vitamin D in summer because UV levels are high and people are regularly out and about. During these months, most Victorians require only a few minutes of mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun exposure. Be extra cautious in the middle of the day when UV levels are most intense. Prolonged sun exposure at this time of year does not increase vitamin D levels, but does increase the risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen use should not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. When sunscreen is tested in laboratory conditions it is shown to block vitamin D production, however regular use in real life shows little effect on vitamin D levels. This is probably because people who use more sunscreen spend more time in the sun, so naturally they will have higher vitamin D levels.
Use the free SunSmart app to help remind you when you do and don't need sun protection each day.
The map here shows how the amount of sun needed to help with vitamin D levels varies for different parts of Australia.
SunSmart recommends that all early childhood education and care services and schools implement a SunSmart policy to ensure a healthy UV exposure balance.
All Victorian playgroups, childcare centres, family day care services, pre-schools, primary schools and special education schools are eligible to apply for SunSmart membership.
Please note: P–12 schools with both primary and secondary students on one campus are not eligible to join the SunSmart Program, but are welcome to join the Secondary School UV Program.
The Secondary School UV Program has been specifically developed for Victorian secondary schools. Employing a graduated approach, the program encourages all secondary schools to establish realistic and achievable UV strategies for the whole school community. Find out how to join this free program, renew membership and view sample SunSmart policies.
Please note that P-12 schools with both primary and secondary students on one campus are not eligible to join the SunSmart Program, but are welcome to join the Secondary School UV Program.
Outdoor workers in Australia receive five to 10 times more sun exposure than indoor workers, placing them at an increased risk of skin damage and skin cancer .
In Australia it is estimated that approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancers per year are due to occupational exposure to UV.
Reducing UV risk in the workplace is a joint OH&S responsibility for workers and employers. Victorian health and safety legislation requires employers to take practical steps to provide and maintain a safe working environment. Workers also have a responsibility to cooperate with sun safety measures for their own health and safety, and that of other people.
SunSmart recommends that workplaces develop a comprehensive sun protection program in consultation with workers and/or representatives including:
If self-employed, it's in your best interest to look after yourself and use a combination of sun protection measures. Tax deductions are available for sun protection products if you are required to work outside. Talk to your tax advisor or the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61 or ato.gov.au
SunSmart can help sports clubs to develop and promote a sun protection policy. To create your own UV protection policy, download the sample SunSmart Sports Policy .
A good UV policy should include:
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer in later life.
Parents have an important role to ensure their children establish healthy sun protection habits during the early years. Research into the effectiveness of role modelling shows us that adopting sun protective behaviours yourself means your children will be more likely to do the same.
Parents can help support their child’s pre-school or school SunSmart initiatives by ensuring their child wears sun safe clothing and remembers to bring their sun protective hat each day. Make sure SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen is in their bag so this can be reapplied before outdoor times. It is great if you can help develop good sunscreen application techniques at home so your child will be all set when they get to pre-school or school.
As pre-school sessions are now longer it’s very important that all pre-schools include sunscreen application as part of their regular routine. One application at drop off time is no longer enough.
Ensure your child’s early childhood service or school actively encourages sunscreen application before outdoor activities.
