Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime. While sunscreen, hats and protective clothing are essential, quality shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
"UV rays are invisible but extremely dangerous," says Liz King, Manager of Skin Cancer Prevention at Cancer Council NSW. "They're responsible for 95% of skin cancer cases, and quality shade can significantly reduce UV exposure."
Despite its importance, 45% of Australians say it's difficult to find adequate shade in parks and playgrounds, and half of NSW community members are dissatisfied with shade at their local playgrounds.
That's why Cancer Council NSW, Cancer Institute NSW and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) have launched the ShadeSmart website, a new online resource hub designed to help professionals create healthier, sun safe outdoor environments.
Why Shade Matters
High quality shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 75% and when used with other forms of sun protection, such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, shade becomes an even more powerful method of skin cancer prevention.
Australians overwhelmingly support government investment in shade infrastructure. In fact, 94% of respondents in the National 2022 Summer Sun Protection Survey commissioned by Cancer Council, were in favour of increasing shade in public outdoor places.
Professor Megan Varlow, Director of Cancer Screening and Prevention at Cancer Institute NSW says that shade is one of the best ways for people to protect themselves. "We are proud to work together with Cancer Council NSW and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of quality shade in reducing exposure to UV radiation and preventing skin cancer."
What Is ShadeSmart?
ShadeSmart is a transdisciplinary initiative developed by public health and design experts, bringing together the planning, design and health sectors. "Educating built environment design professionals in the scale and seriousness of skin cancer in Australia is an important pre-requisite to driving improvements in quality shade design," says Andrew Turnbull, ShadeSmart Strategic Advisor and AILA Fellow. "The ShadeSmart website will help achieve this goal."
The website is a key initiative informed by the ShadeSmart Strategy 2025-2030 and aligned with the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy goal to improve access to quality shade in priority public spaces.
On the website, you'll find:
- Evidence-based resources and case studies
- Training and tools for best-practice shade design
- Information on ShadeSmart awards and recognition
- Research findings to support advocacy and policy change
Bridging the Gap
Many built environment professionals understand their duty of care but lack the tools and guidance to act on it. ShadeSmart fills this gap by offering practical, evidence-based support.
"ShadeSmart brings together public health and design to support the delivery of real-world impacts," says Ms King.
The vision is clear: to embed shade into healthy built environment practice as a given, ensuring every Australian has access to effective shade when and where they need it in public spaces.
Take Action
Visit the ShadeSmart website to explore tools, training and guidance.
Sign up for the ShadeSmart newsletter to stay updated on new resources, case studies and award announcements.
If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
