As the golden sun graces our skies, bringing warmth and light to our days, it's easy to bask in its glow without a second thought. But here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're all too aware of the hidden dangers that come with those inviting rays. A recent study has cast a shadow on our sun-soaked lifestyle, revealing a concerning truth: only half of Australians are adequately protecting themselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation during peak times.

This study, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and funded by the Cancer Council, surveyed over 8,500 individuals from November 2023 to February 2024. The findings are a stark reminder of the importance of sun safety, particularly for our community of over 60s, who may have spent many years under the Australian sun without the benefit of today's awareness and protection methods.


Women are leading the charge in sun protection, with the research highlighting that they are more likely to use three or more forms of sun protection compared to men. These methods include slathering on sunscreen, donning a broad-brimmed hat, and seeking shade during those scorching midday hours.


Interestingly, the study also found that those who are more prone to burning rather than tanning, and individuals residing in outer regional and remote areas of Australia, are more diligent in their sun protection efforts. This could be due to a heightened awareness of the risks associated with sun exposure in these communities.


Education and income levels have also been identified as factors influencing sun safety behaviours. Those with higher educational qualifications and those living in areas of least disadvantage are more likely to take steps to protect their skin from the sun.

Professor Anne Cust, Chair of the Cancer Council's National Skin Cancer Committee, expressed concern over the findings. She emphasized the need for sun protection to become a daily habit to shield against incidental sun exposure. 'Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun is the greatest risk factor for skin cancer,' Cust stated. 'And while the damage accumulates over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life, it's never too late to prevent further damage.'

Australia bears the unfortunate title of having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that almost 19,000 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year alone. These statistics are a sobering reminder of the critical need for sun safety.


The Cancer Council is advocating for the use of all five forms of sun protection when the UV index reaches three or above. This includes:

• Slipping on protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slopping on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Slapping on a broad-brimmed hat that provides good shade to the face, neck, and ears.
• Seeking shade, especially during the middle of the day when the sun's rays are most direct.
• Sliding on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards and provide good UV protection.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we must take these recommendations to heart. Our skin has a memory, and even though we can't undo the past, we can protect our future. Let's not be part of the 50% that's under-protected. Instead, let's lead by example and show that we value our health and well-being by embracing comprehensive sun safety practices.


We'd love to hear from you, our dear readers. How do you protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays? Have you changed your sun safety habits over the years? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe under the Australian sun.
Remember, it's never too late to start protecting your skin. So next time you step outside, make sure you're not making the skin-damaging mistake that half of Australians are. Your skin will thank you for it!