Facts & stats about skin cancer in Australia

Skin cancer is often labelled Australia's national cancer but it is also described as the most preventable.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun protective clothing, sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are the best ways to help prevent skin cancer.

• At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. The risk is higher in men (2 in 3) than in women (3 in 5).
• Over 400,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer each year - over 1,000 people each day.
• Research shows that sun exposure has been identified as the cause of 95% to 99% of skin cancers in Australia.
• Over 1800 Australians die from skin cancer each year (latest available figures from 2009: melanoma and non-melanoma).
• Not withstanding the human suffering, the financial cost of treating skin cancer and melanoma is also high.
• Each year, more people die from skin cancer than from road accidents in Australia.
• Each year, Australians are four times more likely to develop a common skin cancer than any other form of cancer.
• 67% of Australians who die from skin cancer are men.

It goes without saying that dermatologists and skin doctors encourage individuals to increase their sun protection against sun exposure. Research shows that it will prevent skin cancer at whatever age it is applied because sun damage is cumulative.

Solbari Sun Protection offers an award-winning range of UPF 50+ sun protective clothing, broad brim sun hats, UV arm sleeves and sun block umbrellas.