Don’t Wait for Summer: Skin Cancer Risks Are Year-Round
When it comes to skin cancer prevention, many businesses focus their efforts on the spring and summer months. The warmer weather brings out the sunscreen and sun safety reminders – but what about winter?
In reality, skin cancer doesn’t hibernate during the cooler seasons, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the primary cause of skin cancer, is present every day of the year, not just when it’s hot. This means that workplace skin checks – an invaluable service for early detection – are just as important in July as they are in January.
Why Year-Round Skin Checks Matter
1. Catch Problems Early – Before Summer Hits
Winter skin checks can identify suspicious lesions in time for treatment before the next high-UV season. Early detection improves outcomes dramatically, and melanomas detected early are cured in 90% of cases. Source: Melanoma Institute Australia
2. Skin is at its Natural Baseline
In winter, summer tans fade and skin returns to its natural tone, making it easier for trained professionals to spot irregularities. Subtle changes are more visible, and covered-up areas are less likely to be missed.
3. Corporate and Blue-Collar: Every Worker is at Risk
Whether your staff are in high-vis gear or business attire, skin cancer prevention applies to all. Outdoor workers face high exposure levels and often underuse sunscreen, especially in winter. Meanwhile, office workers may accumulate years of incidental sun exposure without realising.
Offering on-site skin checks is a powerful, practical step that shows leadership in health and safety. It provides easy access to early detection for all employees and strengthens a company’s wellness program.
4. Easier Scheduling and Participation
Winter is often a less disruptive time to run employee health programs. With fewer school or public holidays and far from the festive season, participation rates tend to be higher. Employees also appreciate the convenience of health checks in a less busy time of the year.
5. Reinforce Year-Round Safety Culture
It’s a common misconception that cold or cloudy weather equates to low UV risk. The truth is that UV radiation can still be high on cool or overcast days. As Cancer Council Australia explains:
“UV can be just as high on a cold day as on a hot one.” – Cancer Council Australia
Temperature isn’t what causes sun damage – UV rays are. You can’t see or feel UV rays, so a mild 15°C day in July might still carry a high UV index that can damage unprotected skin. Similarly, skin cancers can be detected year-round, not just in summer.
Arranging skin checks outside the summer period reinforces the idea that sun safety is a year-round concern. It helps build a culture of proactive health management, especially for outdoor workers.
“We encourage companies not to wait for summer to safeguard their teams’ skin health,” says Harriet Clayton, Manager, Skin and Health Check Division at Mobile Screening. “Winter is the perfect time to schedule workplace skin checks – you can catch potential issues early and remind everyone that sun safety matters year-round.”
National Reach with Local Staff: The Mobile Screening Difference
Mobile Screening staff are based in every Australian state. This ensures consistent quality, more timely access, and no reliance on subcontractors. Whether you’re in metro Sydney or regional WA, a highly trained team member will be close by.
This genuinely national footprint allows Mobile Screening to cover both city-based offices and remote sites, ensuring equal access to skin checks for all employees — wherever they are located. Local staffing also ensures familiarity with regional risk factors and faster deployment when needed.
Take Action: Book Winter Skin Checks Today
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes on average, and 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. These facts highlight why proactive measures like corporate skin checks should not be limited to the warmer months.
Don’t wait for the summer sun to act on skin cancer prevention. By scheduling workplace skin checks in winter, you demonstrate proactive leadership, boost employee wellbeing, and possibly save lives.
With Mobile Screening’s national team of trained staff, offering on-site skin checks has never been easier. Protect your people year-round – book now and build a safer, healthier workforce.
👉 Contact Mobile Screening today to schedule your winter skin checks.
