National Skin Cancer Action Week raises awareness of skin cancer and sun protection issues at the start of the summer season. Hosted by the Cancer Council in conjunction with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, it runs from November 15-21 and involves a number of educational and promotional initiatives.

Initiatives for 2009’s National Skin Cancer Action Week will be announced in mid-2009.

In 2008, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has lent her support for National Skin Cancer Action Week. "I am delighted to support the Cancer Council's National Skin Cancer Action Week. I hope the week will be an opportunity for Australians to consider what they can do to change the unenviable claim of having the world's highest skin cancer rates."

To view her full letter of support please click here.

Olympic gold-medallist Alisa Camplin, AOM, also supported National Skin Cancer Action Week in 2008.

More than 30 Australians die each week from this almost entirely preventable disease. Australia’s improved skin cancer survival rates are generally higher than in other countries because we are now more aware of the signs of skin cancer and are detecting skin cancers earlier.

Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent, by following the five simple SunSmart measures: