The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has thrown its full support behind the Therapeutic Goods Administration's proposal to boost the testing regime applied to Australian sunscreens.
"The system for testing of sunscreens in Australia has been problematic for some time, which was recently demonstrated by reports that some products did not meet their measured SPF ratings," said PHAA CEO, Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, who is also editor of Sun, Skin and Health (CSIRO Publishing, 2014).
"The TGA's proposals are welcome and need to be worked through so that the testing is consistent and of high quality. It's also important that this testing doesn't increase the price of sunscreens.
"But the main message is that sunscreens work, they help prevent skin cancer, and people in Australia should not lose faith in them.
"Consistent epidemiological evidence proves they're vital sun protection products, and are part of a suite of skin cancer prevention measures that have been key public health messages for decades.
"Sunscreen alone is not enough. You also need to seek shade, wear protective clothing and a hat, and slide on sunglasses.
"And don't forget to apply the correct amount of sunscreen on exposed skin 20 minutes before you head outside, and reapply it at least every two hours."
The PHAA in a 2019 report listed skin cancer prevention as one of the top 10 public health successes of the past 20 years.
"The TGA's measures today are an important step in rebuilding public confidence in a vital public health tool," Prof Slevin added.
