Cancer Council Australia

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SunSmart position statements

Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world. More than 11,500 Australian men and women are diagnosed with a melanoma each year, and an estimated 434,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma1 skin cancers. Skin cancer accounts for over 80% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia each year.

Luckily, skin cancer is almost entirely preventable and high profile awareness and information campaigns telling Australians how to save their skin have been in place for several decades. But there are still a lot of misconceptions about skin cancer and sun protection.

Cancer Council Australia’s Skin Cancer Committee has developed a number of position statements addressing common myths and misunderstandings and providing clear information and advice aimed at helping Australians reduce their skin cancer risk. Many of the statements have been developed with input from other expert health organisations, particularly the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

These include the following:

Eye protection

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun doesn’t just damage the skin. It can lead to eye complaints ranging from mild irritation to cataracts and cancer of the conjunctiva.

This position statement, developed in partnership with Eye Research Australia, provides background information on the health effects of UV radiation on the eyes. It explains the Australian Standard which classifies sunglasses and fashion glasses based on the amount of UV radiation that passes through the lenses. It also covers eye protection in the workplace, the importance of children wearing good quality sunglasses and protection levels offered by prescription glasses.

The statement lists recommended measures to protect eyes from sun damage.

Position statement

Fake tans

Fake tans provide a safer alternative to sunbathing and solarium use. However the Cancer Council is concerned that some people who use them mistakenly believe their tan will protect them against ultraviolet radiation. As a result, they may not take appropriate sun protection measures, putting them at greater risk of skin cancer.

This position statement provides background information about various fake tanning products on the market and explains why the Cancer Council does not encourage their use. It also outlines sun protection measures people should take while using fake tanning products.

Position statement

Risks and benefits of sun exposure

Sun exposure is the cause of around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanomas in Australia. However, exposure to small amounts of sunlight is also essential to good health. A balance is required between avoiding an increase in the risk of skin cancer by excessive sun exposure and achieving enough exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

Recent research has shown some Australians have been deliberately seeking sun exposure over summer because they are concerned about vitamin D deficiency.

In response to potential confusion over mixed messages about the risks and benefits of sun exposure, a collaboration of Cancer Council Australia, the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Osteoporosis Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists brought experts from around Australia to a roundtable in Melbourne in December, 2006, to review the latest evidence on vitamin D and develop this position statement.

The position statement explains the link between vitamin D and sunlight, summarises the health problems that can result from a vitamin D deficiency and outlines the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. It touches on recent claims about links between sun exposure and the prevention of a range of chronic diseases.

The statement also contains guidelines to tell Australians how much sun they need to avoid vitamin D deficiency and stay healthy without increasing their risk of skin cancer

Position statement

Screening and early detection of skin cancer

Early detection generally gives the best chance of successfully treating cancer. Australian survival rates from melanoma are higher than in other countries because we are now more aware of the signs of skin cancer and are detecting them earlier. 

This position statement provides advice for the general public about checking for skin cancer and makes recommendations to GPs in relation to high risk or concerned patients. It also discusses the lack of evidence to support skin checks in the workplace and public places.

Position statement

Solariums

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation through the use of sunbeds, or solariums, significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma. Solariums emit UV radiation levels up to six times higher than the midday summer sun.

Cancer Council calls for a ban on solariums in all states and territories. This position statement outlines the link between solariums and cancer, and outlines current state regulations for commercial solariums.

Position statement

Sun protection and infants (0-12 months)

Babies’ delicate skin makes them particularly susceptible to sun damage. Current evidence suggests that childhood sun exposure makes an important contribution to the lifetime risk of skin cancer.

This position statement outlines the steps parents and carers should take to protect infants from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the day they are born. It addresses concerns about sunscreen use in babies and explains why direct sunlight is not recommended to treat nappy rash and jaundice.

Position Statement

Sun protection in the workplace

Outdoor workers have a higher risk of certain kinds of non-melanoma skin cancer because they often spend long periods of time in the sun, all year round, over many years of working life.

Cancer Council recommends that workplaces have comprehensive sun protection strategies, as outlined in this position statement.

Position statement

Tinted windows

Clear or tinted films applied to car windows can substantially reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is transmitted into the vehicle.

This position statement provides information about how much UV radiation is generally transmitted through car windscreens and side windows before and after tinting, and raises some limitations of tinting. It contains broader sun protection advice for people who spend long periods in a car during summer. It also touches on the transmission of UV radiation through house and office window glass

Position statement

1) Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer according to surveys, however there is no reporting of actual cases to cancer registries.

This page was last updated on: Tuesday, December 18, 2012