Skin checks and sun safety

Skin checks

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which usually occurs on parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun. It’s the third most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, which has the world’s highest incidence rate for melanoma (along with New Zealand). Melanoma is more common in men than in women: 1 in 13 men are diagnosed with melanoma by the age of 85, compared to 1 in 21 women.

Here at Monash, we have doctors who specialise in skin-screening checks. Melanoma can occur at any age, so please book an appointment for a skin check today.

To find out what you should look out for, use the ABCD of melanoma detection.

Sun safety

We all love the outdoors, especially in the warmer months, but too much sun can be damaging and lead to the risk of sunburn. So here are some simple things you can do to help you stay safe:

  • Use the SunSmart app: it’s a great way to monitor sun exposure, providing sun protection times, a sunscreen calculator and an alert function.
  • Slip on clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
  • Slop on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
  • Slap on a hat.
  • Seek shade wherever possible.
  • Slide on some sunglasses.

Resources