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Why is sun safety important? Unpacking the risks of sun damage

Close up of Oracle Healthcare Melanographer performing a skin check using a dermatoscope on a patient's skin

As we move out of summer, it’s important to remember that sun safety isn’t just for the warmer months. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is present year-round, and prolonged exposure can contribute to sun-damaged skin, premature ageing, and skin cancer.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with one melanoma being diagnosed every thirty minutes. However, by incorporating sun protection measures into your daily routine and prioritising regular skin checks, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin health.

The risks of sun damage

UV radiation exposure can have both immediate and long-term effects on the skin. While sunburn is the most visible sign of damage, cumulative sun exposure can lead to:

Although skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, it most often appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, arms, and hands. This is why full-body skin assessments are such a valuable tool. These assessments help detect early signs of change that may not be visible or noticeable to the naked eye, allowing for treatment when necessary.

How can I protect my skin?

There are a number of proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from sun damage.

Education and Protection 

Knowing your individual risk factors and adopting sun-safe practices is the first step. Simple measures like applying broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day, wearing sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat, and sun-protective clothing can make a meaningful difference to your skin health over time.

Interestingly, protection is only required for a UV rating greater than 3. This is commonly between late morning and early afternoon. Outside of this timeframe, exposure to UV less than 3 is the best way to replenish your body’s vitamin D stores. 

Self-Examination

Regular self-examinations are another important part of staying on top of your skin health. Checking your skin for new or changing spots and abnormalities can help detect early warning signs of skin cancer.

Different types of skin cancer can present differently, so it’s helpful to know what to look for. For melanoma specifically, the ABCDE method is a useful guide: look for moles or spots that are Asymmetrical, have irregular Borders, vary in Colour, have a Diameter larger than 6mm, or are Evolving in appearance. You should also keep an eye out for any itching, bleeding, or other unusual skin changes.

A practical approach is to perform a self-examination at the start of each new season—every three months during spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Regular Skin Checks

Even with consistent sun protection, skin cancers can develop quietly and without symptoms. Many begin as small, subtle changes that are easily missed without a trained eye. Early detection plays a critical role in successful treatment, making regular skin checks a key part of any prevention strategy.

How often you should have a skin cancer check depends on your personal circumstances. Factors such as skin type, cumulative sun exposure, a family or personal history of skin cancer, and the number of moles you have can all affect your risk. While annual skin checks are commonly recommended for most adults, those at higher risk may benefit from more frequent monitoring. Tools like melanoma risk calculators can offer further guidance and support for your self-check routine (Health Direct, 2025).

The importance of regular skin checks

Even with consistent sun protection, skin cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many forms of skin cancer start as small, subtle changes that may not be obvious without professional assessment. Since early detection plays a significant role in treatment outcomes, scheduling regular skin checks is one of the most effective ways to monitor your skin health. 

In our busy lives, health check-ups can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But prioritising your skin health is an important investment in your future wellbeing.

Skin cancer checks at Oracle Healthcare

Oracle Healthcare provides comprehensive skin checks using Vectra 3D imaging technology. This system enables full-body photography, creating a detailed 3D avatar, with exact location of pigmented lesions and rashes. Digital dermoscopy of chosen pigmented lesions will assist in identifying early melanomas, other skin cancers and benign skin lesions.

The advanced technology of the VECTRA WB360 enables accurate monitoring of pigmented skin lesions over time.The AI assisted VECTRA technology flags new or changing lesions, highlighting them for assessment.

If you are due for a skin cancer check, contact us to find out more and book your next skin check today.

 

Disclaimer

All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Oracle Healthcare can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.

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