Melanoma Patients Australia strongly encourages melanoma patients and community members to follow the guidance provided by the Australian College of Dermatology, Melanoma Institute Australia and the Cancer Council at all times when it comes to skin cancer prevention and skin protection.
Preventative measures include:
There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation UVA and UVB that can harm skin.
The most effective way to prevent melanoma is to protect yourself by adopting sunsmart behaviours early in life. These behaviours should continue throughout life to minimise the risk of developing melanoma.
When using sunscreen, it is important to follow these guidelines:
You can view Melanoma Patients Australia and Melanoma Institute Australia’s joint webinar– A Deep Dive into Sunscreen recorded in June 2025.
The Australian College of Dermatologists
Fact Sheet – How do I protect my skin from the sun
Melanoma Institute Australia
How to prevent melanoma – sunscreen FAQ’s
Cancer Council
Therapeutic Goods Administration
Australian Regulatory Guidelines for Sunscreens
Sunscreen products approved by the TGA can be found on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods here.
Choice Sunscreen Testing Update – June 2025
Following independent sunscreen product testing in June 2025 by independent consumer not-for-profit CHOICE, test results on 20 popular sunscreens on the market, 16 reportedly failed to meet their SPF claims. This article can be read here.
CHOICE subsequently called on the TGA and ACCC to investigate sunscreen brands across Australia, to make sure sunscreen safety matches people’s expectations.
The TGA have issued a recall for several sunscreen brands currently sold in Australia following preliminary testing evidence indicating the SPF levels of their products may be lower than what is claimed on their labels. The latest information about recalled products and the ongoing investigation by the TGA can be found here.
The latest alerts on suncreens issued by the TGA can be found here:
Vitamin D is a hormone, that is important for overall health as well as maintaining strong and healthy bones. Your body can make its own vitamin D from sunlight and it can also be obtained from supplements and some foods.
A small amount of sunlight is needed each week to activate our vitamin D. The amount of sun exposure required will vary depending on the time of year, skin type, age, body mass index and a number of other factors. When UV levels are below 3, sun protection is generally not recommended.
Most people will be able to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels through incidental sun exposure (such as walking to the car) for a few minutes per day on most days of the week. Deliberate excess sun exposure is not recommended, even if you have a vitamin D deficiency. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of melanoma, and does not cause vitamin D levels to continue to increase, as there is a limit to how much vitamin D can be synthesised in the skin.
If you are found to have a Vitamin D deficiency on blood tests, your doctor may advise you to take vitamin D supplementation.
Melanoma Patients Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia, and we acknowledge, respect and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
