Medical researchers recently published a new paper in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. This paper presents updated sun safety recommendations for Australia’s diverse population and varying skin types. The authors stress the importance of recognizing that the risks and benefits of sun exposure are not the same for every Australian. They assert that preventing skin cancer is still a priority, but advise not to undermine skin cancer prevention messages. The authors also stress the importance of focusing on skin cancer prevention in mass communication campaigns.
The new position statement groups people into three skin types: deeply pigmented brown to black skin, darker white or olive skin, and very sun-sensitive skin. The group with the least risks of harm from sun exposure have deeply pigmented brown to black skin and have the highest risk of vitamin D deficiency. The group that is at the highest risk of skin cancer are those with very pale skin that burns easily, as well as people with less pale skin but certain risk factors like a family history of melanoma, a personal history of skin cancer, immunosuppression, or have a lot of moles. For the group of people with intermediate risk of skin cancer, researchers said sun protection remains very important, but these individuals can spend time outdoors to maintain good health. The position statement was endorsed by Cancer Council Australia, Skin Cancer College Australasia, the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Healthy Bones Australia, the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Melanoma Patients Australia, and MS Australia.