Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, according to the Queensland Government. While sun damage is a short-term inconvenience, it can have long-lasting consequences for our skin health and wound healing.
As we are in the heat of Summer now, it’s the perfect time to refresh our memories on the importance of sun safety!
Tang et al. (2024) report that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage skin cells, and the inflammation from this damage impairs wound healing. For people with acute or chronic wounds, fragile skin, or a history of skin grafts, sun exposure can slow recovery and worsen scarring.
Health professionals also play a critical role in reinforcing sun-safe practices, particularly for patients managing chronic conditions, reduced mobility, or medications that increase photosensitivity.
The skin cancer stats
According to the Cancer Council Australia (2024) 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70
Healthdirect (2024) also reports that Australia experiences extreme UV levels for much of the year, even on cloudy days
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia and is one of the most common cancers in adults under 40, according to Cancer Council Australia (2024)
Encourage the well-known Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide method:
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on SPF50+ or higher
- Slap on a hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
Remember: Check the UV Index daily. Sun protection is recommended whenever UV is 3 or above.
Sun damage is a type of radiation burn – a wound! For people already living with wounds, sun damage poses additional risks:
- Increased inflammation → delayed healing
- Dry, fragile skin → higher risk of skin tears
- Greater discomfort and reduced mobility
- Potential pigmentation or scarring changes in healing wounds
Remember, as we age, we need more protection – and a simple sun damage can lead to skin tears, blisters, cellulitis, and chronic wounds. So always remember to apply your SPF 50+ every 2 hours and immediately after being in water, wear wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
There are characteristics to look for in spots and moles which can help identify a skin cancer.
Remember the ’ABCDE’ of skin cancer when checking your skin:
- Asymmetry – does each side of the spot or mole look different to the other?
- Border – is it irregular, jagged or spreading?
- Colours – are there several, or is the colour uneven or blotchy?
- Diameter – look for spots that are getting bigger
- Evolution – is the spot or mole changing or growing over time?
Changes can include a spot or lump that grows quickly and is thick, red or darker than the surrounding skin, is crusted, or an area that is:
- Scaly
- Shiny
- Paler than the surrounding skin or bright pink in colour.
If you notice any new spots, or an existing spot or mole that changes size, shape, or colour over weeks or months, see your doctor. It can be difficult to distinguish between a harmless mole and something serious, but your doctor can help you.
Preventing sun damage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin – and your long-term health. Whether you’re a patient managing a wound or a clinician supporting someone on their healing journey, sun safety is a shared responsibility.
Healthy skin heals better.
Sun protection today protects your skin into the future.
MYTH BUSTING:
It’s a common misconception that people with darker skin tones don’t get skin cancer. Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan and never burn, you can still develop skin cancer. For people with darker skin tones, skin cancer is often diagnosed later, when it’s more challenging to treat.
Practice sun safety and remember the ABCDE of skin cancer, regardless of your skin tone.
Resources
Wounds Australia – wound care facts, patient resources, and professional guidance
www.woundsaustralia.org
Healthdirect Australia – sunburn treatment, skin cancer information, and UV advice
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/skin-cancer-and-melanomas
Healthdirect Australia
Should I be checked for skin cancer?
Cancer Council Australia – SunSmart – UV Index, prevention tips, and educational tools
https://www.cancer.org.au
References:
Cancer Council Australia (2025) About skin cancer – incidence and causes. Cancer Council Australia. Available at: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer/ (Accessed: [insert date]).
Healthdirect Australia (2025) Sunscreen. Healthdirect Australia. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sunscreen (Accessed: [insert date]).
Queensland Government (n.d.) Skin cancer explained. Queensland Health.
Available at: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/preventing-skin-cancer/skin-cancer-explained
SunSmart (Cancer Council Australia) (n.d.) Skin cancer facts & stats. SunSmart. Available at: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-facts-stats (Accessed: [insert date]).
Tang, X., et al. (2024) ‘Current insights and future perspectives of ultraviolet radiation’s effects on skin’, Environmental Research.
Who is Wounds Australia?
Wounds Australia is the national peak body for the prevention, treatment, management, and healing of wounds. We work to ensure patients receive the best quality care possible and, even more importantly, to minimise unnecessary suffering and expense by preventing chronic wounds from occurring in the first place.
Coming soon: tips, tools & personal stories
Over the next few issues, you’ll get:
- Wound care dos and don’ts
- Where to seek help
- Personal stories that hit home
- Advice for carers and families
- Free downloads and shareables
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