Almost half of young Australians aged 18 to 34 are unaware that melanoma is the most common cancer affecting their age group — despite Australia having one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
New research from the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) reveals a concerning gap in awareness and prevention habits among younger Australians, with many still underestimating the dangers of sun exposure and skipping regular skin checks.
According to the survey, four in 10 young Australians admitted they have never had their skin checked by a healthcare professional. Even more concerning, 21 per cent believed that repeated sunscreen use could be harmful to their health — a misconception experts warn could have serious consequences.
To help tackle the issue, the Melanoma Institute Australia, supported by Surf Life Saving Australia, launched the Watch Your Mate’s Back campaign, encouraging Australians to look after not only themselves but also the people around them.
The campaign’s simple message — prevent, detect, act — focuses on educating Australians about sun safety, early detection and the importance of speaking up if they notice suspicious changes on someone’s skin.
Melanoma remains the most serious form of skin cancer and is Australia’s third most common cancer in both men and women. Tragically, it claims a life every six hours. Yet health experts stress that melanoma is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.
Professor John Thompson says regularly checking your skin can play a vital role in early detection.
“We all need to watch for skin lesions that change in size, shape or colour, develop an irregular border, become itchy or repeatedly bleed,” he says.
Importantly, experts say around a quarter of melanomas are first noticed by someone other than the person affected — reinforcing the campaign’s message that watching out for friends and family could save lives.
Health professionals recommend using sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak UV hours and scheduling regular skin checks, particularly for Australians with fair skin, a family history of melanoma or high sun exposure.
If you notice something unusual on your skin — or someone else’s — don’t ignore it. Early action could make all the difference.
For more information, visit Melanoma Institute Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia.
