Australia leads the world in preventable skin cancer.
It doesn't have to.
Australia experiences some of the highest UV radiation levels on Earth, and the highest rates of skin cancer globally. International research published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, associated with the World Health Organization, identifies Australia as a global outlier: UV radiation is the leading preventable cause of cancer in Australian men.
Skin cancer is largely preventable
Protection works, but access is inconsistent.
UV exposure is uniquely high in Australia
Risk is widespread, not niche.
Prevention shouldn't depend on income
Public health should be universal.
Skin cancer isn't one disease, and it doesn't look the same for everyone.
Australia's extreme UV exposure drives multiple types of skin cancer, affecting Australians at younger ages than anywhere else in the world. Understanding what they are, and who they impact, is essential to prevention.
Learn About Skin Cancer Types
We treat prevention like a personal choice, not a public health priority.
Skin cancer remains one of Australia's most preventable cancers, yet the cost of protection is still carried by individuals, families, schools, and community organisations. This approach fails people who spend time outdoors for learning, work, sport, and community life, especially when cost and availability become barriers.
A National Sunscreen Program
UVI3 is calling on the Australian Government to fund free SPF 50+ sunscreen as a minimum starting point for:
Childcare centres
Primary and secondary schools
Universities and TAFEs
Community and sporting clubs
This first phase should lead to expanded access in public settings, and ultimately free sunscreen for all Australians.
What We're Calling ForPrevention saves lives, and reduces long-term costs.
Sunscreen is a proven, low-cost intervention that reduces the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Preventing cancer lowers long-term pressure on Medicare and reduces avoidable harm.
We already invest in prevention through vaccines, road safety and smoking prevention. Sunscreen should be treated the same way: as essential preventive infrastructure.
Skin cancer prevention should not depend on postcode, income, or awareness.
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