if you coUld see uv you would
PROTECT
yOUR
SKIN

What if we could see UV radiation?

In Australia, we are exposed to some of the harshest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world.

UV is a type of energy produced by the sun but unlike sunlight it cannot be seen, nor can it be felt like the sun’s warmth. As we cannot see or feel UV, overexposure may be damaging our skin and eyes without us realising.

When your skin cells receive too much UV it can damage your DNA.

This damage can lead to skin cancers including melanoma – the most lethal form of skin cancer. Your skin cells remember all the UV exposure you get.

Scroll then tap the elements below to discover how UV radiation can damage your skin.

Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to too much UV radiation. As UV radiation can’t be see or felt, sunburn can happen on cooler days. The more sunburns you receive, the greater your risk of developing melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for about two thirds of skin cancers and is caused by overexposure to UV radiation. BCCs grow slowly over months or years.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for about one third of skin cancers and may spread if not treated. Like BCCs, they usually appear on sun exposed body sites.

Melanoma usually grows quickly over weeks to months and is the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal.

Find out what they can look like

Protect your skin from UV radiation to reduce your cancer risk.

When UV is 3 or above, protect your skin

Check the UV index

Be prepared before you go outdoors. Protect your skin in five ways

SLIP
SLOP
SLAP
SEEK
SLIDE

How do I protect myself?

Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

  • Slip - if you can see skin, UV can get in and do damage. Look for clothing that creates a barrier between your skin and UV.
  • Slop – for any skin you can’t cover with clothing, apply SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen.
  • Slap – protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful UV by wearing a wide- brim hat.
  • Seek – find some shade! Sitting under a tree, finding an umbrella or shade structure is a great way to protect your skin from UV in addition to covering up with clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Slide – don't forget the sunnies to protect your eyes from UV.

How UV-aware are you?

Take our quiz to find out if you're a UV expert

The UV index has nothing to do with how hot or sunny it is outside. If it’s 3 and above, the UV can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer.

For the best protection, always use all the five SunSmart steps when the UV index is 3 and above. Slip on sun-protective clothing, slop on water resistant, broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, slap on a broad brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses.

Sunscreen offers some protection from the sun but it’s not a suit of armour!

Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. You can reduce your risk at any age by following the five SunSmart steps.

Men are almost twice as likely as women to die from melanoma. Play your part in changing these statistics!

Your skin says ‘thanks, mate’.

Congratulations! You know exactly what to do to protect your skin from UV radiation and how to stay safe in the sun. Keep up the good work and don’t forget to re-apply that sunscreen every two hours!

It’s always good to remember:

  • The UV index has nothing to do with how hot or sunny it is outside. If it’s 3 and above, the UV can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer.
  • For the best protection, always use all the five SunSmart steps when the UV index is 3 and above. Slip on sun-protective clothing, slop on water resistant, broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, slap on a broad brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen offers some protection from the sun but it’s not a suit of armour!
  • Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. You can reduce your risk at any age by following the five SunSmart steps.
  • Men are almost twice as likely as women to die from melanoma. Play your part in changing these statistics!

Room for improvement.

Not bad! You certainly know some of the steps to make sure you stay safe in the sun but there are a few things you should brush up on.

Remember that:

  • The UV index has nothing to do with how hot or sunny it is outside. If it’s 3 and above, the UV can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer.
  • For the best protection, always use all the five SunSmart steps when the UV index is 3 and above. Slip on sun-protective clothing, slop on water resistant, broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, slap on a broad brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen offers some protection from the sun but it’s not a suit of armour!
  • Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. You can reduce your risk at any age by following the five SunSmart steps.
  • Men are almost twice as likely as women to die from melanoma. Play your part in changing these statistics!

Lobster-alert.

Like many Australians, there’s more you can do to protect your skin and stay safe in the sun.

Remember that:

  • The UV index has nothing to do with how hot or sunny it is outside. If it’s 3 and above, the UV can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer.
  • For the best protection, always use all of the five SunSmart steps when the UV index is 3 and above. Slip on sun-protective clothing, slop on water resistant, broad-spectrum SPF50+ or higher sunscreen, slap on a broad brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen offers some protection from the sun but it’s not a suit of armour!
  • Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. You can reduce your risk at any age by following the five SunSmart steps.
  • Men are almost twice as likely as women to die from melanoma. Play your part in changing these statistics!

Real stories

NADINE
JOEY
COREY
ELLA

Frequently asked questions about UV and skin cancer

What is UV?
What is the UV index?
What does it mean when the UV hits 3?
Why does Australia have high levels of UV radiation?
How does melanoma spread to vital organs?
What does sun protection mean?
What is skin cancer?
What are the signs of skin cancer?
I'm concerned about getting skin cancer, what should I do?
How do I get a skin check?
Is it healthy to have a tan?

Check the UV in your area

Visit the MyUV website to check real-time UV levels in your area.

Check the UV index
Protect your skin.
Be SunSmart
when the UV Index is 3 or above.

Cancer Council WA gratefully acknowledges Cancer Institute NSW as the original creators of this campaign. The campaign has been licensed and adapted for use in Western Australia under agreement with CINSW.

Click here to learn more about the campaign and view our assets.

© 2024 Cancer Council WA
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In the spirit of deepening relationships, Cancer Council WA acknowledge all the traditional custodians and owners of country throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We also pay our respect to their Elders and extend that respect to all Aboriginal peoples living and working in this area. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.