In 2021, melanoma was identified as the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in Australia, as reported by Cancer Australia. Despite its prevalence, it ranked as the tenth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring its serious impact on public health.

One expert recalled treating a particularly young patient, only 23 years old, who was battling metastatic melanoma. This case highlights the indiscriminate nature of the disease, affecting individuals across various age groups. Another patient, diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma, faced the challenge of cancer at the age of 30.

The gravity of melanoma cannot be overstated. “It’s an awful, devastating disease,” she remarked. For a long time, effective treatment was elusive, making recent advancements in medical interventions all the more critical in the fight against this aggressive form of skin cancer.

She also had a basal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer, removed at 30.

“It’s an awful devastating disease and until relatively recently it was incredibly hard to treat,” she said.

She said she discussed the issue in a group of doctor mums on Facebook and had a staggering response.

“One mum sends kids to school with a sunscreen bottle in his lunch box and weighs it when he gets home,” she said.

“It seems so simple to just ask schools. I think an extra five minutes to say ‘right kids time to put their sunscreen on,” Whittigan, who has two sons, Elliot, seven, and Evan, five.

“We know early life sun exposure is one of the factors that increases the risk of you getting skin cancer.”

SunSmart says two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer and it kills around 2000 Aussies a year.

Staying out of the sun, using sunscreen and covering up with hats, clothes and sunglasses can help prevent it.

“Schools are not currently required to provide dedicated sunscreening time. Many schools have a policy of reminding students to reapply sunscreen before lunch, but this is not always followed consistently,” she says.

She plans to send it to the Australian Government Health Department and Australian School Principals Associations.

“It will quite literally save lives,” she said.

Australian Primary Principals Association President, Angela Falkenberg, said most schools already encourage sunscreen use “through school and parent-supplied products, education in the health curriculum and SunSmart practices.

“Any additional expectations must be realistic, age-appropriate and workable within the school day,” she said.

A TGA spokesperson said organisations plus state and territory health departments, including Cancer Council Australia, provide national programs for school‑aged children.

“For the last two years, the Australian Government has partnered with Cancer Council Australia to deliver a $15 million national skin cancer prevention campaign.