Every Summer matters. Why? Because just 5 sun burns more than double your risk of Melanoma, and at least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

I know I can beg people to wear sunscreen everyday, but there are some people that just simply wont- if that's you-

Sun avoidance (can also be known as the "seek" step) is extremely helpful to be aware of. As sun damage is cumulative, meaning lots of little decisions everyday matter. Decisions like picking the seat on the bus that has shade rather than in direct sunlight can add up. It can also look like avoiding going outside during midday hours when the UV rating is the highest.

Let's recap- Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide are the words to remember for skin cancer prevention as per The Cancer Council

Slip on protective clothing that cover skin when in the sun! It's easy to sweat off SPF or forget to reapply.

Slop on Sunscreen generously, you need to apply more than you think to get the labelled SPF (go for SPF50 or SPF50+) follow reapplication recommendations for the SPF you're using- they're not all water and sweat resistant.

Slap on a hat, broad brim is best! I promise there are heaps of not daggy picks.

Seek shade where you can. Please, please don't tan. Please.

Slide on sunnies, protect your eyes! Skin cancers around the eye area aren't uncommon.

Keep an eye on skin changes. Know your ABCDE's of skin cancer

A is for Asymmetry. Look for spots that lack symmetry. That is, if a line was drawn through the middle, the two sides would not match up.

B is for Border. A spot with a spreading or irregular edge (notched).

C is for Colour. Blotchy spots with a number of colours such as black, blue, red, white and/or grey.

D is for Diameter. Look for spots that are getting bigger.

E is for Evolving. Spots that are changing and growing.

Skin checks are available at GPs for free (completely bulk billed) in plenty of places. Google "[Your Suburb/City] bulk billed skin check".

Being aware of the spots on your body is also an important way to monitor changes. You can get to know your skin at home, and monitor any changes following this how to from the Cancer Council.

What the hell is The UV rating / index?

UV is a form of energy produced by the sun and comes in a few forms, all of which can contribute to skin cancer. The UV index helps rate the levels of UV, which is important as a cloudy day might have a UV of 14 (extreme) , and a sunny day might have a UV of 2 (low). Looking at the sky isn't a good determiner of the sun damage that might be happening to your skin.

(taken from the Cancer Council) The UV Index divides UV radiation levels into:

• low (1-2)
• moderate (3-5)
• high (6-7)
• very high (8-10)
• extreme (11 and above).

The UV Index in Aussie Summer is typically reaches extreme (11+) everyday.

• Here's a SPF chart we made at r/AusSkincare of plenty of the Australian SPFs that are on the market. They're all pharmacy picks under $30
• Download the SunSmart app (it's free) and it'll let you know the UV rating / index easily
• PS: If you'd like a specific sunscreen suggestions from me, please let me know your price point/budget, where you prefer to shop and your skin type. The best sunscreen is the one you use.

Signed,

A skincare lover who's tried almost every SPF on the Aussie market and who also had a double mole removal at 21