Doctor-written articles to help you make informed decisions about sun protection, sunscreen science, skin cancer prevention and early detection, vitamin D, and life after skin cancer. Plain-English explanations grounded in Australian context — TGA labelling, ARPANSA UV index, and Cancer Council and ACD guidance — and updated as the evidence evolves.
- All articles authored or reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin (M.Med Skin Cancer, University of Queensland 2018).
- Topics span sunscreen science, application practice, vitamin D balance, post-treatment care, and high-risk strategies.
- Each article carries a "last reviewed" date and references the underlying evidence.
- Content avoids unnecessary alarmism and acknowledges uncertainty where it exists.
- Australian context — TGA sunscreen labelling, ARPANSA UV index, Cancer Council and ACD guidance.
- Coverage of high-profile public-health stories like the CHOICE sunscreen testing controversy.
- Practical decision-making guidance — how to apply, how often, how to read a sunscreen label.
- Focus on prevention literacy and early detection rather than cosmetic SPF marketing.
- Companion reading for skin checks and patients living with prior skin cancer diagnoses.
- Continually updated as new research emerges or public health guidance changes.
Skin Cancer Education
Doctor-written articles to help you make informed decisions about sun protection, sunscreen science, skin cancer prevention and early detection, vitamin D, and life after skin cancer. Plain-English explanations grounded in Australian context — TGA labelling, ARPANSA UV index, and Cancer Council and ACD guidance — and updated as the evidence evolves.
What you’ll find here
- Sunscreen science and application — how SPF is tested, what UVA/UVB protection actually means, why application volume matters more than brand
- Vitamin D balance — adequate vitamin D status in Australia without compromising sun protection
- Skin cancer prevention and early detection — what to look for, when to act, what changes warrant a check
- Life after skin cancer — staying vigilant when you’ve been diagnosed before
- High-risk patient strategies — for patients on immunosuppressants, transplant recipients, and those with strong family history
- Public-health context — how to read media reports about sunscreen recalls, study findings, and changing guidelines
Our editorial approach
We aim to publish content that:
- Reflects current medical evidence
- Avoids unnecessary alarmism
- Acknowledges uncertainty where it exists
- Prioritises patient safety and practical decision-making
All articles are authored or reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin (M.Med Skin Cancer, University of Queensland 2018) and carry a clear “last reviewed” date. As new research emerges or public health guidance changes, this section will continue to expand.
Looking for clinical care?
If you’re looking for information about skin checks, diagnosis or treatment:
- Skin Cancer and Skin Medicine → — the main hub
- Book a comprehensive skin check → — what to expect
The booking panel in the sidebar is the fastest way to schedule an appointment at either clinic.
Prevention
Advanced protection for high-risk groups — transplant, genetics and occupational risk
For organ transplant recipients, the immunosuppressed, people with genetic syndromes, and outdoor workers, standard prev…
Prevention
Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccine) for actinic keratoses — the off-label evidence
For patients with difficult-to-control actinic keratoses, the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is being studied off label. The 2…
Prevention
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) — the DNA-repair protocol for skin cancer prevention
For people with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer, nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is an evidence-based, low-cost part of …
Prevention
Optimising vitamin D and nutrition for sun-avoidant and high-risk patients
Patients who must avoid the sun — because of a skin-cancer history, photosensitivity or immunosuppression — can still ma…
Prevention
How to reduce your skin cancer risk
A doctor-led guide to reducing skin cancer risk, for everyone and especially after a first skin cancer. The foundation i…
Prevention
Vitamin D and skin cancer — what the evidence actually shows
A plain-English review of vitamin D and skin cancer. There is real biological plausibility that it could help, and low v…
Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen ingredients — a medical deep dive
When you look at the back of a sunscreen bottle you face a list of complex chemical names. This deep dive moves past mar…
Sunscreen
The CHOICE sunscreen study — what this means for your sunscreen
In 2025, Australian consumer organisation CHOICE independently tested a range of popular SPF 50 and SPF 50+ sunscreens s…
Sunscreen
CHOICE sunscreen testing and TGA updates — what it means for your sunscreen
In 2025 CHOICE tested 20 popular sunscreens and found 16 fell short of their label. The TGA responded with recalls and u…
Sunscreen
Does sunscreen prevent skin cancer? The evidence
Robust, long-term clinical data shows that consistent sunscreen use is one of the most effective medical interventions w…
Sunscreen
How to apply sunscreen properly — the teaspoon rule (and why it matters)
Most "sunscreen failures" happen for one reason — we don't put enough on, and we don't reapply often enough. This guide …
Sunscreen
Mineral vs chemical sunscreen — how to choose (safely, and for your skin)
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be safe and effective. The best sunscreen is the one you can wear daily and rea…
Sunscreen
Sunscreen allergy and photoallergy — how to recognise it (and what to do)
If sunscreen makes your skin burn, sting, itch, or break out in a rash, you're not imagining it — reactions happen. Most…
Sunscreen
Sunscreen for babies, kids, and pregnancy — a family guide
Protecting young skin is the single most effective way to prevent skin cancer later in life — but it needs to be sustain…
Sunscreen
Sunscreen for rosacea, acne, eczema and pigmentation
If sunscreen stings, breaks you out, worsens redness, or you're battling melasma or PIH, you don't need "the best sunscr…
Sunscreen
Sunscreen for outdoor workers and athletes
If you work outdoors or train hard, your sun protection has to survive more than just the sun. Sweat, water, dust, and t…
Sunscreen
Tinted sunscreen and visible light — protection for pigmentation
If you struggle with melasma, "the mask of pregnancy," or dark spots that linger after acne (PIH), standard sunscreen ma…
Sunscreen
UVA vs UVB, SPF and broad-spectrum sunscreen explained
Understand what sunscreen labels actually mean — and how to make your sunscreen work in real life. Covers UVA vs UVB dam…
Field therapy
Efudix (Efudex) Healing Stages: A Week-by-Week Timeline
Week-by-week patient guide to the Efudix (Efudex / 5-fluorouracil) reaction — the quiet first days, the building reactio…
Field therapy
Efudix vs Aldara vs PDT: Choosing a Field Treatment
Doctor-led comparison of the three field treatments for actinic keratosis and selected superficial skin cancers — Efudix…
Field therapy
Treating sun damage to prevent future skin cancers (field therapy)
When we treat one skin cancer we are pulling a single "weed." For many patients the surrounding skin is also sun-damaged…
Sun protection
Sun protection beyond sunscreen — clothing, hats, and shade
For the most reliable sun protection, start with coverage, not sunscreen. Clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade provide p…
Sun protection
Sunscreen and Vitamin D — staying sun-safe without becoming deficient (Australia)
Vitamin D matters — and so does preventing skin cancer. Sensible sun protection does not put most Australians at risk of…
Frequently asked questions
-
Who writes the skin cancer education articles?
All articles are authored or reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin (M.Med Skin Cancer, University of Queensland 2018) and carry a clear last-reviewed date. Content is updated as new research emerges or Australian public-health guidance changes. -
Are these articles a substitute for a skin check?
No. The articles are general education to support informed decisions — they cannot assess your individual skin. If you have a new, changing or concerning spot, book a skin check so it can be examined properly. -
What topics does the education library cover?
Sunscreen science and application, vitamin D balance, skin cancer prevention and early detection, life after a skin cancer diagnosis, strategies for high-risk patients, and Australian public-health context — TGA sunscreen labelling, the ARPANSA UV index, and Cancer Council and Australasian College of Dermatologists guidance.