Skin Cancer & Sun Safety: Protecting Your Skin This Summer

Jade Chapman
6 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with our strong UV levels contributing to more than two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. As we head into summer, it’s the perfect time to prioritise sun safety, understand your risks, and ensure you’re staying proactive about your skin health.

Whether it’s preventing long-term sun damage or managing suspicious lesions, taking simple steps now can make a real difference to your health and confidence.

Why Skin Protection Matters

Daily sun exposure—even when it’s cloudy—can cause long-term damage to the skin, contributing to:

Premature ageing and pigmentation
Fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture changes
Actinic keratoses (sunspots)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma

UV radiation is responsible for over 95% of melanoma cases, making prevention and early detection crucial.

Sun Safety Essentials for Summer

Protecting your skin does not need to be complicated. The most effective approach is consistency.

1. Use Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

Apply sunscreen every morning—even on cloudy days. Remember:

Reapply every 2 hours
Use at least a teaspoon per body area
Choose a broad-spectrum formula that protects against UVA and UVB

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Long sleeves, collared shirts, and UPF-rated swimwear significantly reduce UV exposure.

3. Avoid Peak UV Times

UV radiation is strongest between 10am and 3pm. Seek shade or plan indoor activities during these hours when possible.

4. Don’t Forget Hats & Sunglasses

A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, ears and neck, while good-quality sunglasses protect the delicate eye area and reduce cataract risk.

5. Be Mindful Near Water & Sand

These surfaces reflect UV rays, increasing exposure—even when you’re under shade.

The Importance of Regular Skin Checks

Early detection is the key to managing skin cancer effectively.

You should book a skin check if you notice:

New spots or moles
Changes in size, colour, shape or border
Itching, bleeding or non-healing lesions
Rough, scaly patches

Even without any concerns, most adults benefit from at least annual skin checks, and more frequent reviews if you have:

Fair skin or a history of sunburns
Multiple moles
Family history of melanoma
Previous skin cancers
Outdoor occupations or hobbies

Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Skin Cancer Excision?

For many patients, the experience of having a skin cancer removed is just as much about the cancer as it is about the cosmetic outcome.

As a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Theo Birch is trained to:

Remove skin cancers safely and thoroughly
Ensure appropriate surgical margins
Optimise scar placement and minimise scarring
Perform tissue rearrangement, local flaps and grafts when needed
Manage complex or large lesions
Provide aesthetically refined outcomes, particularly on the face

Plastic surgeons are uniquely skilled in managing skin cancers where both medical safety and appearance matter.

Many patients specifically choose a Plastic Surgeon for lesions on the:

Face
Nose
Lips
Eyelids
Scalp
Neck
Chest
Hands

These areas require meticulous technique to ensure a functional and aesthetically pleasing result.

Dr Birch’s Approach to Skin Cancer Care

Dr Birch focuses on a patient-centred, precise and thoughtful approach to managing skin cancer and sun damage. His philosophy is built on:

Comprehensive assessment
Clear communication
Aesthetic awareness
Evidence-based excision techniques
Meticulous wound closure
Long-term scar optimisation strategies

Patients are supported from the initial consultation through to follow-up care, ensuring they feel informed and confident at every step.

Your Skin Health Matters — Take Action This Summer

Skin cancer is common, but it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. By protecting your skin and booking regular skin checks, you reduce your risk and support lifelong skin health.

If you have a lesion you’re concerned about, or if it’s time for your routine skin assessment, our team is here to help.