SKIN CANCER PREVENTION SUNSHINE COAST

Q: What is the best sunscreen?

Any sunscreen that is tested as being factor 30 or above (see the label) and gets on with your skin. There are an increasing number of sunscreens on the market - some better for your face, dry skin, oily skin. Try different sunscreens until you find the right one for you. If you have difficulty please talk with your doctor or our staff at SunLife.

Q: How can you tell if a fabric is sun safe?

Many dense fabrics offer appropriate sun protection. To be certain, look for clothing labeled as tested to SPF50. Many lightweight and cooling fabrics have been tested in this way to show they are adequate to protect you.

Protecting your skin and reducing risk

Caring for skin cancer starts with prevention and awareness. Here's our guide to help reduce risk.

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Preventing Skin Cancer

There are many things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer. If you do get skin cancer, it's important to find it as early as possible to reduce complications.
Not sure what to do? Here are our tips:

Protect your skin

Seek shade, Slip on protective clothes, Slop on factor 30/50, Slap on a hat, Slide on the sunnies...
Sound familiar?
Click here for the latest from the Cancer Council on how to do it well.

Know your risk

Your personal risk is unique. Using a risk calculator is a great place to start.

At a skin check appointment your doctor will further personalise your risk. If you or your close family have had skin cancer, you are high risk.

Click here to use the Scan Your Skin risk calculator.

Self-check your skin

Become familiar with your skin and moles so you are more likely to notice any changes.

See the skin check video below to learn how its done.

How to keep safe from skin cancer

Do the little things often
Make those small changes that make a big difference
Care for your family and friends
Spread the word in the community
Be aware and get those skin spots checked

We hope this little guide helps Sunny Coast skin to be safer skin.

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FAQ's

Questions about skin cancer prevention at our Sunshine Coast Care Centre

I'm over 65 now, can I still reduce my risk of skin cancer?

Yes! Sun safe practices still reduce your risk of skin cancer! Importantly, as risk will always increase in age, awareness of your skin lesions and regular skin checks have significant value in reducing the risk of complications from skin cancer. If you are already getting regular skin cancers, supplements may help to reduce how often they occur. A doctor at SunLife can advise you further during an appointment.

What is the best sunscreen?

How can you tell if a fabric is sun safe?

What about Vitamin D, don't we need some sun exposure to maintain Vitamin D levels?

Thanks to the very high UV levels in Australia, this is not a big concern here. Studies have shown that people with fair skin need only a few minutes of sun to get the vitamin D they need. Sunscreen, even with daily use, does not cause any significant depletion. It is currently unclear why some people become low in vitamin D when others don't.

Some groups of people are considered at risk of low vitamin D due to lack of sun exposure including people limited to indoors, such as care home residents.

How to book

Here's the next steps to book your appointment:

Step 1

Book Online or phone our Care Centre to book your appointment

Step 2

What to wear? Coming from work? Wearing make-up? Get the most out of your visit and know what to expect. Read our Patient Info page so we can help you prepare.

Step 3

Once you are booked and prepared, come along to SunLife for your appointment.

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