More effective triggers for sun smart behaviours are urgently required in Australia

SUMMARY Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, and it is preventable. Previously, the public had limited awareness for the risks associated with ultraviolet radiation. Today Australian public health campaigns urge sun safety. Why then are Australians still not complying with the message and especially in sport? It may be that focusing on skin cancer as the long-term risk factor of excess sun exposure is not triggering sun smart behaviours. Targeting the risk to physical appearance may be a more effective strategy. Sun protective measures should also be easy to adopt and become an integral part of the sporting uniform.