In the Northern Territory, skin cancer is a serious health risk — and the Territory’s harsh sun makes taking it seriously even more important.

The NT combines intense sunlight, high UV exposure and a large population working and living outdoors. For many Territorians, being outside isn't a choice — it is part of the job and part of life.

☀️ The NT sun can do serious damage

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. It damages the DNA in skin cells, and repeated exposure can eventually lead to cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Outdoor workers can receive five to ten times more UV exposure than indoor workers, making people working on farms, construction sites, roads, mines and other outdoor environments particularly vulnerable to cumulative UV damage.

And in the NT, that exposure can happen year after year.

📊 The numbers are a warning

NT Department of Health data for 2011–2020 recorded 815 melanoma cases among non-Aboriginal Territorians and 72 melanoma deaths across the NT. Among non-Aboriginal Territorians, the age-standardised melanoma incidence was 54.1 cases per 100,000, compared with 51.9 per 100,000 nationally.

Men deserve particular attention. During this period, the NT non-Aboriginal male melanoma incidence was 66.1 per 100,000, compared with 40.4 per 100,000 for females.

That means the message to Territory blokes needs to be simple:

Don't wait until something looks bad. Don't assume you're bulletproof. Don't rely on "she'll be right."

👷 Outdoor life comes with a price

Tradies, farmers, station workers, fishers, landscapers, road workers, construction workers, sportspeople and anyone who spends large amounts of time outdoors can accumulate enormous amounts of UV exposure over a lifetime.

And skin cancer isn't just about getting badly sunburnt once.

Everyday exposure adds up.

Years of working outside, weekend fishing, camping, sport, boating and simply living in the Territory can contribute to cumulative UV damage. Chronic occupational exposure is particularly associated with increased risk of SCC and BCC.

💥 The impact goes beyond a spot on your skin

Skin cancer can mean surgery, scarring, repeated treatments, time away from work and ongoing monitoring.

Melanoma can be particularly dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment can make a major difference.

And once you've had one skin cancer, the risk of developing another can remain significant.

Territory blokes need to stop ignoring it

You don't have to stop enjoying the Territory.

You don't have to stop fishing, camping, working outdoors, playing sport or getting out on the land.

But you do need to respect the sun.

Cover up. Use sunscreen. Wear a hat. Seek shade where possible. And, importantly, know your skin and get anything new, changing or suspicious checked by a doctor.

Because skin cancer doesn't care how tough you are.

Tradie. Veteran. Farmer. Emergency services. Fisherman. Sportsman. Weekend warrior.

The Territory sun doesn't discriminate.