What is National Skin Cancer Action Week?

National Skin Cancer Action Week highlights the importance of early skin cancer detection and sun safety, particularly as we move into the warmer months.

Looking after your skin health is always essential, but for one week each year we’re reminded of the importance of taking action against skin cancer, understanding our personal risk, and protecting ourselves for the future.

Why Every Australian Needs a Skin Check

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. UV exposure remains high year-round, and while daily sun protection is essential, regular professional skin checks are crucial. Here’s why:

• Skin cancer is common: Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70 (AIHW, 2023).

• Early detection saves lives: Most skin cancers can be effectively treated when found early (Melanoma Institute Australia, 2023).

• Melanoma is deadly: One Australian dies from melanoma every five hours, and it’s the most common skin cancer in young Australians aged 15–39 (Cancer Council Australia, 2023).

• Professional checks catch what you can’t see: A doctor can assess new or changing moles, freckles, or spots that you may not notice yourself.

National Skin Cancer Action Week, an initiative of Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists, encourages all Australians to use sun protection and have regular skin checks.

The Six Steps to Sun Protection

Fortunately, many skin cancers may be prevented by adopting good sun protection habits. Cancer Council Australia estimates that over $1 billion is spent each year treating skin cancer, but the majority of cases could be prevented by following the six steps – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide, and Skin Check:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing
• Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on Australian standard sunglasses
• See a doctor once a year for a skin check

A combination of these preventative measures is key to reducing your skin cancer risk.

More than 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer every year.
Melanoma is the most common skin cancer in young Australians aged 15 to 39.

Why Every Australian Needs a Skin Check

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and UV exposure remains high even outside the peak of summer. While daily sun protection is essential, regular professional skin checks play a vital role in identifying changes early, when treatment outcomes are often more favourable.

A skin check allows a qualified doctor to assess new or changing moles, freckles, or spots that you may not notice yourself. Early detection is key, most skin cancers can be effectively managed when found early.

Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

An initiative of Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists, National Skin Cancer Action Week encourages all Australians to use sun protection to help reduce the risk of skin cancer and to have regular skin checks as recommended by their doctor.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Early detection plays an important role in improving outcomes, which is why regular skin checks are recommended for all Australians.

Join the Movement for Skin Health

This National Skin Cancer Action Week, we encourage you to take action for your skin health and speak to your doctor about a full-body skin check.

We are proud to support National Skin Cancer Action Week.
Get your skin check at one of our centres and remind those close to you too.

Find a Doctor Near You and Book Today!

References

1. Australasian College of Dermatologists. (n.d.). Skin cancer resources. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/skin-cancer/

2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2016). Skin cancer in Australia: Summary (Report no. C A16). Canberra: AIHW. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/0368fb8b-10ef-4631-aa14-cb6d55043e4b/18197.pdf

3. Cancer Council Australia. (n.d.). Skin cancer: Causes, symptoms & treatments. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer

4. Cancer Council NSW. (n.d.). Preventing skin cancer. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/

5. SunSmart. (n.d.). Skin cancer facts & stats. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-facts-stats