Queensland is famous for sunshine, beaches, sport, farming and an outdoor lifestyle. But that same sun carries a serious risk: ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, and Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia.

The biggest problem is that UV radiation is invisible and you can't feel it. You can be outside on a cool or cloudy day, not feel particularly hot, and still be damaging your skin. In Queensland, UV levels are high enough to cause skin damage throughout the year.

Queensland's numbers are bloody serious

• Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in Australia.
• In 2023–24, Queensland hospitals recorded more than 37,000 episodes of care for skin cancer.
• 4,637 Queenslanders were diagnosed with melanoma in 2023.
• In 2024, around 45% of Queensland adults reported being sunburnt during the previous year.
• Queensland's melanoma incidence was 79 cases per 100,000 people in 2021, the highest among Australian states and territories.

And for blokes, particularly those who spend their working lives outdoors, this isn't something to shrug off. Queensland data shows melanoma incidence is higher in men than women, particularly among older age groups.

The sun doesn't care how tough you are.

You can be a tradie.
A farmer.
A veteran.
A firefighter.
A copper.
A weekend warrior.
A fisherman.
A surfer.
Or just a bloke who loves the bloody outdoors.