A Test match against UV – skin cancer in cricketers.

Australasia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. This is largely due to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and a vulnerable population especially those with fair skin. Melanoma is particularly common, and keratinocyte cancers — basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — occur even more frequently in our sunburnt country.

Australians have been playing cricket for over 200 years and it is still the most popular summer sport in our country. As cricket is typically played outdoors for long hours during the Australian summer, morbidity from skin cancer is a significant concern for professional cricketers. The sport is increasingly popular with girls and certainly our women’s national team have been very dominant internationally for some time. A recent audit from our research group documented a steady rate of melanomas and carcinomas in this population (6 melanomas & 10 BCCs amongst 300 active elite Australian cricketers between 2015 and 2024)¹. This prompted a more probing survey to specifically examine how common skin cancer is among elite Australian cricketers especially given the paucity of literature on the subject.

In 2024, current and retired professional cricketers were invited to complete an anonymous online survey about their history of skin cancer and risk factors such as skin type, age, and city of residence. Of the 1,530 players contacted, 451 responded. The median age of the survey group was 42 years. 39% were female and one third of the cohort were aged 30 or younger.

Nearly 3 in 10 players (29%) reported having had some form of skin cancer. Specifically:

• 7% reported melanoma
• 22% reported BCC
• 14% reported SCC

The strongest risk factor was age. Skin cancer rates increased steadily in older players, with almost two-thirds of those over 70 reporting a previous diagnosis. Fair-skinned players were also significantly more likely to report skin cancer than those with darker skin. Living in sunnier northern states during adulthood was another important risk factor.

Most reported cancers occurred on the face, head, or neck; areas typically exposed during play. Female cricketers were less likely to report BCC whilst there were no differences by gender for melanoma or SCC. While cricketers often wear caps, sunglasses and long sleeves (or SParms), their faces and necks remain vulnerable to prolonged sun exposure. Matches and training sessions frequently occur during the peak UV hours.

Interestingly, the study did not find a clear link between self-reported sunscreen use and reduced skin cancer rates. However, fair-skinned players were much more likely to use sunscreen, suggesting protective behaviours may already be concentrated among those at highest risk.

Although the melanoma rates reported in this survey appear higher than general Australian population figures, some of this difference may reflect high rates of skin surveillance among cricketers and the fact that this was a self-reported survey. Players were not questioned about their specific grade of melanoma, that is in situ or invasive. Importantly, elite cricketers overall tend to live longer than the general population, and playing cricket remains a healthy pursuit overall. However, skin cancer appears to be a particular recreational risk due to long-term UV exposure.

At the present time, the Australasian College of Dermatologists and Cancer Council of Australia (the peak bodies) do not advocate for screening of the general population for skin cancer because of inadequate evidence of benefit. Nonetheless cricketers are at elevated risk, as are those who enjoy other popular outdoor sports such as surfing, swimming, golf, tennis, and paddle sports. Defining high risk groups remains on the agenda for policy makers.

The message for cricketers — and all Australians — is clear. Protect your skin from the sun, check it regularly, and seek medical advice early if you notice a changing skin lesion. For junior cricketers commencing their sporting careers, encouraging a culture of building a solid defence against the sun with sunscreen, protective clothing and broad brim hats is vital. Sunburn is no longer a badge of honour – let’s support the long innings and stay in at the crease and out of the clinic!

---

References:

1. Orchard J, Yip L, Chamberlain A, Ming A, Ly L, Swarbrick A, Strathie Page S, Rubel D. Skin cancer in elite athletes – is there more we could do? (A skin cancer audit by Cricket Australia) Australas J Dermatol 2025;66 (Suppl 1):49-54.
2. Orchard J, Redmayne G. Stenner B, Chamberlain AJ, Ming A, Inge P, Yip L. Rates of self-reported skin cancer in current and retired elite Australian cricketers. Australas J Dermatol 2026;0:1-7.

---

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to A/Prof John Orchard Chief Medical Officer for Cricket Australia who spearheaded these studies, along with the members of the MANCAD (Melanoma Assessment Network of Cricket Australia Dermatologists) panel and the dedicated sports physicians affiliated with our state and national cricket teams respectively for keeping skin health an agenda.

---

---