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Are you at risk of skin cancer?

11 June 2026

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, affecting more than one million Australians each year. While anyone can develop skin cancer, some people are at a significantly higher risk due to factors such as UV exposure, age, skin type and family history.

Understanding your risk factors is an important step in protecting your skin and detecting skin cancer early, when treatment is often simpler and more successful.

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  • Exposure to UV radiation
  • Fair skin and skin type
  • A history of sunburns
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Skin cancer risk by age (40s, 50s, 60s)
  • A weakened immune system
  • Other risk factors
  • Reducing your risk

Exposure to UV radiation

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia.

UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, and this damage builds up over time. Whether you're working outdoors, playing sport, gardening or simply going about your day, regular sun exposure can increase your risk.

Did you know?

People who work outdoors can receive significantly more UV exposure than indoor workers, putting them at a much higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Fair skin and skin type

People with fair skin are generally more susceptible to UV damage.

You may be at increased risk if you have:

  • Fair or pale skin
  • Blonde or red hair
  • Blue or green eyes
  • Freckles
  • Skin that burns easily

This is because fair skin contains less melanin, which provides some natural protection from UV radiation.

A history of sunburns

A history of sunburns, particularly severe or blistering sunburns, can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Sunburn causes direct damage to skin cells, and repeated damage over time can increase the likelihood of cancerous changes developing later in life.

Family history of skin cancer

Skin cancer can run in families.

If a close family member has been diagnosed with melanoma or another type of skin cancer, your own risk may be higher. This can be due to inherited genetic factors, shared skin characteristics or similar sun exposure habits.

Skin cancer risk by age

In your 40s

For many Australians, their 40s are when the effects of decades of sun exposure begin to appear.

If you've spent years enjoying the outdoors, playing sport or working in the sun, accumulated UV damage may start to show as new spots, pigmentation changes or precancerous lesions.

In your 50s

Skin cancer diagnoses become increasingly common during your 50s.

By this stage, years of UV exposure have often taken their toll, making regular skin checks particularly important. People in this age group may also notice more sun spots and areas of sun-damaged skin.

In your 60s and beyond

Australians aged 60 and over experience some of the highest rates of skin cancer diagnosis.

This is due to a lifetime of cumulative UV exposure combined with the body's reduced ability to repair damaged skin cells. Skin cancers commonly develop on frequently exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, neck and hands.

A weakened immune system

Your immune system plays an important role in identifying and removing abnormal cells.

People with weakened immune systems, including organ transplant recipients and those taking immunosuppressive medications, have a higher risk of developing skin cancer and may require more frequent skin monitoring.

Other risk factors

Additional factors that may increase your risk include:

  • A previous skin cancer diagnosis
  • Having a large number of moles
  • Having atypical or irregular moles
  • Using tanning beds or solariums
  • Spending significant time outdoors
  • Being male

The more risk factors you have, the more important regular skin checks become.

Reducing your risk

While some risk factors cannot be changed, there are several ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer:

  • Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
  • Wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Seek shade during peak UV periods
  • Avoid tanning beds and intentional tanning
  • Check your skin regularly for new or changing spots
  • Book professional skin checks as recommended by your doctor

The bottom line

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but understanding your personal risk factors can help you make informed decisions about prevention and early detection.

If you notice a new spot, a changing mole or a lesion that won't heal, book a professional skin check. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes.

 

References

 

Are you at risk of skin cancer?

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