Sun’s out, myths out: Busting skin cancer beliefs and what you need to know to protect yourself

Oh hey, it's that time of the year when the sun's shining brighter, the days are stretching longer, and our spirits are soaring – hello, summertime! But as we're soaking up the good vibes, let's not forget something super important: the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are also cranking up. Almost every case of skin cancer is linked to these sneaky UV rays, so playing it smart with sun protection is your golden ticket to reducing your risk. 

Now, we know skin cancer talks can get a bit heavy, but with a health topic this crucial, especially down here in Australia, it's high time we tackle some of those widespread myths and clear the air.  

Let's get real: a whopping 59% of Aussies, as revealed by TAL research, are still underestimating how common skin cancer really is on our sunny shores. So, it’s crystal clear—we've got to step up our game in chatting about and committing to skin safety. Let's dive into these misconceptions and set things straight, shall we? 

What is skin cancer? 

Basically, skin cancer happens when your skin cells get damaged, for example, from soaking up too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. 

What is UV radiation?  

UV is actually a sneaky type of energy that comes from the sun. You can't see it or feel it, and it doesn't care about the temperature. It's responsible for at least 95% of skin cancers in Australia! And get this, it can be super strong even on days when it's cool and cloudy. 

So forget about relying on the weather to tell you when to protect yourself from the sun. The truth is, UV levels in NSW are high enough to do some damage to your skin for at least 10 months out of the year.

TAL’s General Manager, Health Services, Dr Priya Chagan, sets six common misconceptions straight: 

Myth 1. Sun damage only happens on sunny days 

Sun damage isn't just a summertime concern. Yep, you heard that right. Taking care of your skin is important all year 'round! So even when it's not blazing hot outside or the clouds are rolling in, those UV rays can still do some damage. So don't let your guard down when the weather gets chilly!  

Myth 2. The higher SPF you apply, the longer you can hang out in the sun 

Truth is, higher SPF doesn't give you extra time in the sun. It might make you think you can stay in the sun for longer, but that's not the case. No matter what SPF you use, sunscreen won't extend your time in the sun. 

Remember, sunscreen isn't a foolproof shield against the sun's rays. You need to protect yourself in other ways too. 

The Cancer Council recommends these five steps:  

1. slipping on sun protective clothing, 

2. slopping on sunscreen, 

3. slapping on a broad brim hat, 

4. seeking shade when possible and 

5. sliding on sunglasses. 

Before you head outside, it's important to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes beforehand. This way, it can soak into your skin and give you the best possible protection. 

Now, here's the thing—while some sunscreens are water resistant, none of them are completely waterproof. So, after taking a dip in the water, it's essential to reapply your sunscreen immediately. And if you're planning on staying under the sun for a while, make sure to reapply every two hours. 

Now, let's talk about cosmetics. The SPF included in makeup and moisturizers just won't cut it when it comes to shielding you from the sun. Unless your cosmetics are labeled with SPF30 or higher, you'll need to use additional sunscreen. 

Myth 3. People with darker skin won’t get skin cancer 

Did you know that having darker skin or getting sun exposure doesn't mean you're safe from the harmful effects of the sun? While it's true that darker skin, including olive-toned skin, doesn't burn as quickly as fair skin, the truth is that everyone is at risk when it comes to UV rays. 

Skin cancer can be harder to detect in people with darker skin. That's because it tends to show up in less exposed areas, like the soles of the feet. Unfortunately, this means that it's often diagnosed at a later stage, making it trickier to treat. It's important to be aware of this and stay on top of regular check-ups to catch it early. 

Research from the Cancer Council revealed that one in four (26%) teenagers in Australia get sunburnt on summer weekends. It might sound harmless, but all that sun damage can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life. So, no matter what your skin type is, it's important to take care of your skin and stay safe in the sun at any age. 

Myth 4. Applying sunscreen alone can keep you safe from skin cancer 

Sunscreen is crucial for looking after your skin, but here's the thing: skin cancer can show up even in spots that don't see much sun. So, prevention alone ain't enough. You've got to keep an eye on your skin and make regular visits to the pro for a skin check. If you notice any changes in your skin, it's especially important to get checked out. Don't forget, skin cancer is one of the cancers that's easy to spot and prevent, so make sure these checks are a regular part of your health routine. 

Myth 5. No need for professional skin checks if you're vigilant with your skin

Stay on top of your skin health by getting familiar with how your skin looks and making it a habit to check for any changes. It's crucial for early detection! 

TAL’s research found that even though 92% of Aussies value self-checking, 60% don't know the right way to do it. Keep an eye out for any new, abnormal, changing, or sore spots as these could be signs of skin cancer. 

Remember, regular check-ups by a professional are just as important. It's a simple process and could literally save your life. The doctor will examine all areas, including ones you can't see. 

Worried about costs? Many GPs and skin cancer clinics have bulk-billing options, while some may charge a fee. Just check beforehand to see if your health fund covers it. 

Myth 6:

You need to stay in the sun unprotected to get your Vitamin D

Ever heard of the "sunshine vitamin"? We're talking about good ol' Vitamin D. It's super important for your bones, muscles, and overall health. But here's the thing, you shouldn't be baking in the sun or purposely exposing yourself to harmful UV rays just to get more Vitamin D. 

Research has shown that spending excessive time in the sun won't actually keep increasing your Vitamin D levels. So, it's all about finding a balanced approach to sun exposure, which helps reduce your risk of skin cancer. 

According to the Cancer Council, you can get enough Vitamin D by simply being outside for a few minutes on most days when the UV Index is 3 or above (hello, summer!). No need to spend hours sunbathing, just a quick dose of sun will do the trick. 

With 2 out of 3 Aussies being diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they hit 70, it's crucial to spread the word about sun safety and protecting our skin. How about let’s keep enjoying the sunshine responsibly, yeah? 

Screening for skin cancer 

Currently, Australia doesn't have a formal screening program for skin cancers. So it's pretty important to get to know our own skin. If you notice any changes, don't hesitate to chat with your doc. 

Cancer Council has a position statement on screening and early detection of skin cancer. They've got loads more info on catching it early, so definitely give it a look. 

You can also explore how to check your skin for signs of skin cancer here.