Aim: To report skin cancer awareness and photoprotective behaviours in adult (≥18 years) renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

Background: In the regional setting of Australia, no previous studies evaluated skin cancer awareness and photoprotective behaviours of RTRs treated with long term immunosuppressants which enhance the risk of skin cancer.

Methods: In this cross‐sectional survey, 61 RTRs were administered a questionnaire to evaluate skin cancer awareness and photoprotective behaviours.

Results: 57 RTRs (93%) responded to the survey. The median age of RTRs at the time of kidney transplant surgery was 49 years. 62% of RTRs were male. Most participants are Caucasians (93%). 16% of RTRs did not know that ultraviolet radiation can play a role in the occurrence of skin cancer and 2% were not aware that immunosuppressants can increase the risk of developing cancers. Most of them used hat (79%), sunglasses (67%) and sunscreen (74%) when they spent time outdoors. 22% of RTRs “never” used sun protection cream when they were outdoors. During outdoor activities, 36% of participants use sunscreen sometimes and 31% “often/always” used sunscreen. Among sunscreen users, 5% used it in all seasons, 52% in both summer and autumn, 29% only in summer. During outdoor activities, 54% wore shirts with long sleeves, 44% stayed in the shade, 21% wore light coloured clothes and 28% avoided outdoor between 10 am and 4 pm. The least popular sun protective measure was using an umbrella (7%). The percentage of RTRs using 6‐8 (high‐level of sun protection), 3‐5 (moderate) and 0‐2 (none/minimal) protective measures were 21%, 45% and 34%, respectively.

Conclusion: Educational sessions at regular interval are recommended to improve skin cancer awareness and photoprotective behaviours among RTRs.