Dr Shaun Segal’s Guide to Preventing Skin Cancer in Harsh Aussie Summers

Living in Australia means sunshine, beaches, and an outdoor lifestyle we all love. But as beautiful as our summers are, they come with a serious responsibility—protecting our skin. I’m Dr Shaun Segal, and as someone who’s treated hundreds of patients for skin cancer, I can tell you this: prevention is not only possible, it’s powerful.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Our intense UV radiation, long summers, and outdoor culture make us especially vulnerable. But with awareness and daily habits, you can reduce your risk significantly. In this blog, I’ll walk you through simple, effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer—and every summer after.

Why Is Skin Cancer So Common in Australia?

Let’s start with the hard truth: two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. That statistic still stops people in their tracks. Why so high?

• Our country sits directly under the ozone hole, making UV rays stronger.
  
  
• We enjoy a sun-soaked lifestyle, often without enough protection.
  
  
• Many Aussies have fair skin types, which are more prone to sun damage.
  
  

The good news? With a little education and consistency, you can break the cycle.

1. Make Sunscreen Your Daily Habit—Not Just a Beach Thing

If you only apply sunscreen on beach days, you’re missing the mark. UV rays don’t take a break just because you’re walking to the café or sitting by a window at work.

I recommend using:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
  
  
• Water-resistant formulas if you’re sweating or swimming
  
  
• Non-comedogenic products if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin
  
  

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
Apply sunscreen every morning, just like brushing your teeth. Keep a bottle next to your keys, in your car, or in your bag to reapply every 2 hours.

2. Cover Up Strategically

Sunscreen isn’t your only line of defense. Think of clothing as your built-in sun shield.

Look for:

• UPF-rated clothing (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
  
  
• Long-sleeved shirts, collars, and wide-brimmed hats
  
  
• UV-protection sunglasses that wrap around
  
  

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“Light, breathable, tightly woven fabrics are your best friend. If you can see light through your clothes, UV can pass through too.”

3. Seek Shade—Especially Between 10 am and 4 pm

This is when the sun is at its fiercest. Try to plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons when UV levels are lower.

If you’re out during peak UV hours:

• Find shaded areas under trees, awnings, or umbrellas
  
  
• Use portable shade tents at parks or beaches
  
  
• Wear a hat with a brim wide enough to shade your neck and ears
  
  

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is too strong—seek shade.”

4. Understand the UV Index (And Check It Daily)

We often check the weather but forget the UV index—a free and powerful tool that tells you how dangerous the sun is on any given day.

Anything above 3 means UV protection is needed. Apps like the Cancer Council’s SunSmart app can show you:

• Current UV level
  
  
• Peak UV hours
  
  
• Reminders for sunscreen reapplication
  
  

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“Don’t rely on heat as an indicator. You can get burned on cool, cloudy days if the UV index is high.”

5. Never Ignore Sunburn (Even Mild Ones)

Some people wear sunburns like a badge of honour after a weekend getaway. But repeated burns—even mild ones—double your risk of developing melanoma later in life.

Every sunburn causes cellular damage to the skin’s DNA. Over time, this damage accumulates and may trigger abnormal cell growth.

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“Just five sunburns in your life doubles your melanoma risk. That’s a statistic worth remembering.”

Also Read:- When to Worry About a Mole: Advice from a Skin Cancer Expert

6. Be Mindful of Reflected UV Rays

It’s not just direct sun exposure that harms your skin. UV rays bounce off surfaces like:

• Sand
  
  
• Water
  
  
• Concrete
  
  
• Snow (in winter sports)
  
  

This means you can burn even under shade or while swimming. Water reflects up to 80% of UV radiation.

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“Always reapply sunscreen after swimming—even if your bottle says it’s water-resistant.”

7. Protect Children From an Early Age

Children’s skin is more sensitive and can burn faster than adult skin. Childhood sunburns greatly increase the chance of skin cancer in adulthood.

• Dress them in rash vests and hats
  
  
• Apply sunscreen every 2 hours (use a stick or spray for wriggly kids!)
  
  
• Keep babies under 6 months in full shade and covered clothing
  
  

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“Teaching sun safety early creates habits that last a lifetime. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids.”

8. Schedule a Yearly Skin Check

Even if you’re vigilant with sun safety, early detection is key. A professional skin check can spot changes you may overlook.

At my clinic, we perform full-body checks using dermatoscopes and digital imaging, allowing us to monitor your moles over time. It’s painless, quick, and could save your life.

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“If you have fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or lots of moles, book a skin check every 6–12 months.”

9. Examine Your Skin Monthly

You’re the first line of defense. Get familiar with the look and feel of your skin so that you can notice changes early.

Check:

• All sides of your arms and legs
  
  
• Your back (use a mirror or partner)
  
  
• Scalp, behind the ears, and between your toes
  
  

Dr Shaun’s Tip:
“Look for new moles, changing spots, or any wound that doesn’t heal. When in doubt—check it out.”

Recommended Reading: How Australia’s Climate Affects Skin Cancer Rates – Dr. Shaun Segal Weighs In

Final Words: Prevention Is Power

Australian summers are incredible—but they demand respect. Skin cancer isn’t just about beauty or vanity. It’s about health, longevity, and taking control of your future. The sun will always be there, but so will your ability to choose protection.

I’m Dr Shaun Segal, and I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to remind you that with the right habits, you can enjoy every sun-soaked day without risking your skin. Prevention starts with awareness, and today, you’ve taken that first step.

Let’s protect the skin you’re in. Every day. Every summer.