Australian Summer Rituals: Sunscreen, Surf and Skin Checks

TAL today launches its 2025 SpotChecker campaign, urging young Australians to build better skin health habits now, to significantly reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.

Despite improving awareness of skin cancer risks, Australia continues to have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with an estimated 17,443 new melanoma cases expected in 2025 alone¹. At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, with 95% of cases caused by UV exposure.

While the average age of skin cancer diagnosis is 65, much of the damage is done early in life. According to the Cancer Council, Australians aged 18-40 years who were regular users of sunscreen in childhood reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 40%, compared to those who rarely used sunscreen.

Dr Priya Chagan, General Manager of Health Services at TAL, said: “What young Australians do now will shape their skin health for decades to come. UV exposure causes skin damage that accumulates over time, increasing your risk of skin cancer later in life."

“This summer, we urge everyone to make sun safety a daily habit – the younger you start, the better.”

“The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable and detectable cancers. Simple actions – checking the UV level, applying sunscreen, covering up, and checking your skin – could save your life."

In its ninth year, TAL's SpotChecker initiative is focused on reducing the risk of skin cancer by promoting simple, daily habits that can dramatically reduce skin cancer risk:

Check UV levels: Get in the habit of checking UV levels before heading out, the same way you check the weather on your favourite app. Use sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above, which is most days during the Australian summer.

TAL SpotChecker research found that while 89% of Australians are aware of the damage UV can do, 43% rarely or never check the UV index, and 62% don't know how to².

Daily sunscreen: Apply high-SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days, as harmful UV radiation penetrates clouds. Remember, sunscreen takes 20 minutes to absorb and should be reapplied throughout the day. Regular sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers³.

To ensure you are using a reputable sunscreen, you can check the latest information on product information, including recalls, on the Australian Cancer Council Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or SunSmart.

Cover up: Wear protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin. Seek shade during peak UV times.

Self-check monthly: Perform monthly skin checks using the S.C.A.N. method to check your skin and see a GP if you notice anything different, looking for spots or moles that are:

• Sore: A spot that is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding or tender) and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
• Changing: A spot that’s changed in appearance (size, shape, colour or texture).
• Abnormal: A spot that looks different, feels different or stands out when compared to other spots and moles.
• New: Any new spots that have recently appeared.

Despite its simplicity, TAL found 80% of Australians are unaware of the S.C.A.N. method, and 26% have never had a professional skin check⁴.

TAL's SpotChecker is part of Health for Life, TAL's health and wellbeing program designed to help Australians take control of their health through preventative action and better habits.

For more information about building daily sun-smart habits and performing skin self-checks, visit www.tal.com.au/tal-spotchecker or the Cancer Council's sun protection resources at www.cancer.org.au.

¹Sunscreen research and facts | Cancer Council

²TAL SpotChecker Research, n=2000

³Sunscreen research and facts | Cancer Council

⁴TAL SpotChecker Research, n=2000