SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre

24/02/2026

Join the National SunSmart Program to protect children from skin cancer with sun safety policies, education, and recognition for schools, early...

19/02/2026

Most of us have been told to “keep an eye on our moles,” but remembering exactly what every spot on our skin looked like last year is almost impossible.

This is where 3D Total Body Photography (TBP) is changing the landscape of skin cancer detection.

3D TBP is an advanced imaging system that creates a detailed, head-to-toe photographic record of the skin in a single image capture. Using 92 synchronised high-resolution cameras, the system captures up to 95% of the body surface in seconds and produces a lifelike three-dimensional avatar.

Doctors can then map individual moles, compare images over time, and use the computer software to detect changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The technology does not replace a clinical skin check — rather, it strengthens it. When combined with the trained eye of an experienced skin cancer doctor, 3D imaging becomes a powerful early-warning tool helping both patients and doctors spot change sooner and act with confidence.

It is used for people with many moles, fair skin with a history of burning, or a personal or family history of melanoma.

As published in Issue 898

18/02/2026

15/02/2026

Protect yourself with skin cancer information

Queensland summer is well and truly here and SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre staff are hearing all about the accidental suntans, sunburns, “cloud-burns”, and even “rain-burns”.

Whether you burn easily or not, your skin will still get some sun damage that adds up over time.

So, here are some top tips to keep safe this summer.

Know your UV index: UV over 3 causes damage to skin. This adds up over time to cause blotchy skin, crusty sun-spots, and skin cancers.

Know your UV hours: In the height of summer, the UV is over 3 from about 7am to 4.30pm. It is high to extreme from about 8.30am-3pm. Check out the UV index charts at arpansa.gov.au.

Pick your times: Wherever you can, do your outdoor activities when the UV is low.

Plan to protect: When you are out and the UV is over 3, protect yourself from the sun as much as possible:
1. Slip on covering clothing
2. Slop on SPF 50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
3. Slap on a hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on some sunglasses

Search “Sun Safety” at cancer.org.au for more info.

As published in Issue 896

15/02/2026

The non-surgical treatment of BCC skin cancers

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common type of skin cancer, and Queensland has the highest rates in
the world.

Nodular BCCs are mostly cut out, but what happens when they are on visible or tight areas such as the face or sternum?

Thankfully, there is a safe alternative to excision for the most common types of BCC. It's photodynamic therapy (PDT).

PDT is a medicated cream and light treatment that does not involve radiation or chemotherapy and has been proven with more than 20 years of use in practice.

This non-surgical treatment needs to be administered by a trained nurse following a standardised PDT protocol and is effective for most superficial or nodular BCCs less than 2mm deep.

While the cure rates are lower than with excision, many people like to have the choice.

That’s why my colleagues at SunLife and I offer assessment for excision or PDT.

SunLife has trained PDT nurses and a dedicated PDT room.

If it is decided that excision is the best approach, we can perform most procedures on-site without need for
a referral.

As published in Issue 893

15/02/2026

Local Skin Cancer Care Centre Celebrates

SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre is proudly celebrating its third year of serving the Sunshine Coast community, marking a significant milestone in local skin cancer care.

Since opening its doors, SunLife has welcomed more than 10,000 registered patients and, in the past 12 months alone, diagnosed over 2,500 skin cancers, including more than 180 melanomas.

These figures reflect both the growing demand for specialised skin cancer services and the importance of early detection.

Locally owned and established with patient care at its core, SunLife was purpose-built to deliver comprehensive skin cancer services in a modern, high-quality facility. The clinic offers patients the convenience and reassurance of receiving care under one roof, supported by advanced technology and experienced clinicians.

“We started SunLife as a place where patients truly come first,” said Joyce Hardy, Director at SunLife. “It’s a place patients can trust to find doctors dedicated to skin cancer care, with the training, experience, and facilities needed to provide the highest standard of care.”

SunLife’s growing team includes four accredited skin cancer doctors, three caring nurses, and two friendly reception staff.

Together, they provide a full spectrum of services, from routine skin checks and sun-damaged skin treatments to surgical excisions and advanced diagnostic imaging.

Among its specialised services, SunLife offers state-of-the-art 3D Total Body Photography for patients at higher risk of melanoma. This advanced imaging allows for precise monitoring and early detection of melanoma over time.

As SunLife celebrates three years of service, the clinic remains committed to supporting the long-term skin health of the Sunshine Coast community.

As published in Issue 891

15/02/2026

As we come to the end of the year, we’ve been reflecting on just how busy and rewarding the past 12 months have
been at the clinic.

From welcoming new patients to supporting familiar faces through their ongoing care, it has been a year full of meaningful moments.

Our team has continued to grow and refine our services, and we’re proud of the dedication and compassion shown by every doctor and member of staff.

Most importantly, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our patients.

Your trust in us, your kindness, and the way you allow us to be part of your health journey mean more than we can express.

We know that attending appointments, undergoing treatments, and keeping up with regular skin checks all require time and commitment.

Your willingness to prioritise your health and place your confidence in our team is something we deeply value.

As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to providing the highest standard of care and support.

Thank you for being such an important part of SunLife.

We wish you a sun-safe, healthy and happy year ahead.

As published in Issue 890 of

09/12/2025

16/11/2025

Hereee come the Men in Sunnies. 🎶 😎

All creatures on earth (of human form) should protect their eyes from sun damage by wearing sunglasses when heading outdoors.

Close-fitted, wrap-around sunnies are a great way to protect your eyes from damage caused by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Over time, exposure to the sun's rays can cause:
👁️ skin cancer around the eyes, eyelids or on the eye
👁️ cataracts (a clouding of the eyes natural lens which can cause vision loss)
👁️ cloudiness of the cornea (the top protective layer of the eye).

Sun safe guys (and girls) wear sunnies, remember that. ☝️

ℹ️ Source:
Cancer Council

15/10/2025

How to stay skin safe this summer

The sun protection season is in full swing again. Many of people have had sunburn before and do our best to avoid it. But is stopping burns enough? How do we keep safe from melanoma and skin cancer?

First, think about sun damage.

Sunburn is acutely damaging to the skin. Most people understand this and take measures to avoid it.

Long-term sun exposure isn’t immediately visible. It adds up over time and is often forgotten. It is a real issue in Queensland with year-round sunshine and even more so in summer.

Once the problem is understood, think about how to prevent skin cancer or detect it early if it happens. Here are some top tips:

1. Have good sun protection habits whenever the UV is over 3. Follow the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide advice - even for shorter exposures.

2. Check your skin every 2-3 months for anything Sore, Changing, Adnormal, or New and not going away in 5-6 weeks. Get it checked.

3. Get a regular skin check if you: are over 40 years old with fair or olive skin, have many moles, previous skin cancer, a close family history of skin cancer or high sun exposure history (especially with severe or many sunburns).

SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre is dedicated to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of melanoma and skin cancer.

The doctors practising at SunLife have advanced skin cancer training and provide all aspects of care including detailed skin checks, surgical treatment, non-surgical treatment, and advanced 3D digital imaging.

Book a skin check at SunLife online or call for 3D Total Body Photography. No referral is needed.

As published in Issue 879 of

27/09/2025

We're at the Sunshine Coast Expo this weekend 🙌 It's a beautiful sunny day and lots of talk of sun protection and skin cancer. See you there 👍