What causes skin cancer?

Over 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, skin cells can be damaged and begin to change in how they look and behave.

In Australia, UV levels are high enough to damage unprotected skin for most of the year, not just during summer. Even moderate UV levels can cause harm. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and is not related to temperature or whether the day is sunny or cloudy.

UV exposure can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, and damage to skin cells. Over time, this damage can lead to skin cancer.

Sun damage is not always visible. It can occur long before a person develops sunburn or a tan. This damage builds up over time and cannot be reversed.