National Skin Cancer Action Week: combatting Australia’s ‘national cancer’

National Skin Cancer Action Week (17-23 November) highlights that we need to do more to keep sun protection front of mind when UV is 3 or above.

This National Skin Cancer Action Week, Cancer Council is joining forces with The Australasian College of Dermatologists to encourage all Australians to make sun protection a daily habit to protect their skin from UV exposure and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Often called our ‘national cancer’, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.

When exposed to UV radiation, it doesn’t take long for skin damage including sunburn to occur, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. In fact, over-exposure to UV radiation causes up to 95% of melanomas. In every region across Australia, it is likely to reach extreme levels of UV over the summer months.

Incidental sun exposure adds up

It’s a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. When you’re out doing daily activities, such as walking the dog, gardening or hanging out the washing, you can get caught off guard by UV radiation you’re not aware of, so it’s important to keep sun protection top of mind.

Protecting your skin during those ‘incidental’ moments of sun exposure when you’re out and about will reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure that doesn't result in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Evidence suggests that regular exposure to UV radiation year after year can also lead to skin cancer.

Don’t let the sun catch you off guard

Fortunately, skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. An easy way to ensure you’re protecting your skin from UV exposure is by making sun protection a daily habit. To learn more, read our recent article on the hidden dangers of incidental sun exposure with insights from Dr Adriene Lee, President of The Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Protect your skin from getting caught off guard by UV exposure. No matter your age, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by using all five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or above:

• Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant sunscreen. Apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours afterwards.
• Slap on a hat—broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
• Seek shade.
• Slide on sunglasses—make sure they meet Australian Standards.

It’s important to get to know your skin and what looks normal for you. If you notice any changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing spot, or the development of a new spot, you should get it checked by a GP or your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Cancer Council is pleased to be delivering this national campaign in partnership with The Australasian College of Dermatologists, highlighting the importance of being SunSmart.

Download the National Skin Cancer Action Week assets here

Get inspired: Conquering Skin Cancer

Conquering Skin Cancer is a documentary and campaign aimed at reducing skin cancer rates and deaths. Through compelling interviews with survivors, experts, and celebrities, it advocates for enhanced prevention, early detection, equitable treatment access and innovative research.

Find out what it means to stay safe in a high UV environment. Catch it in cinemas this summer.