Article publication date
April 2026
ARPANSA review date
24 August 2026
Summary
This paper describes the development of a public education leaflet with an aim to improve the effectiveness and dissemination of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protection messages. Recognising that skin cancer incidence remains high and continues to increase in many fair-skinned populations despite longstanding public awareness campaigns, the authors sought to create a clear, scientifically accurate, and internationally adaptable communication resource. The leaflet was developed according to health promotion and public education guidelines and underwent multiple rounds of expert and stakeholder review, including input from patient and non-government organisations as well as specialists in dermato-oncology, epidemiology and public health. The final resource promotes avoiding intentional sun exposure and tanning while positioning the use of shade and protective clothing as highest priority for sun protection. It also includes advice on childhood sun protection, the risks associated with tanning beds, early detection of skin cancer, vitamin D considerations, and sunscreen safety. The article concludes that educational interventions should be complemented by policy and environmental measures, such as increased provision of public shade and regulation of tanning facilities. The article recommends that the leaflet is made available in multiple languages and distributed via professional and online channels.
Published in
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Link to article:
Messages for ultraviolet-radiation protection to fair-skinned populations
ARPANSA commentary
The article reinforces the importance of sustained, evidence-based communication strategies for UVR protection. Australia provides a strong example of the potential impact of such efforts, with decades of public education and awareness campaigns contributing to the stabilisation and reduction of skin cancer incidence rates in some populations (De Pinto et al., 2024) despite the country continuing to experience one of the highest UV exposure levels globally. Over the past four decades, a number of stakeholders including Cancer Council Australia, the Skin Cancer College Australasia, and Melanoma Institute Australia have led extensive public education and awareness campaigns promoting sun protection behaviours to reduce harmful UV exposure. The findings of this paper should therefore be considered within the context of Australia's well-established skin cancer prevention framework. The paper highlights that sun protection measures should commence when the UV Index is 3 or above, which aligns with ARPANSA’s advice. ARPANSA advises the use of all five sun protection measures to minimise personal UVR exposure: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. ARPANSA also provides real-time UV Index information and estimates of UVR dose to help inform the public on daily UVR exposure and support them in making informed decisions regarding their sun protection. This is important as Australia faces a significant public health burden from UVR-related skin cancer.
