There is more to sun protection than sunscreen.

Protect yourself in five ways: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

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 16-22 and involves a number of educational and promotional initiatives.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has lent her support for National Skin Cancer Action Week in 2008.

"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, supports National Skin Cancer Action Week in 2008. The aerial ski jumping champion is diligent about applying her ski-field sun protection routine to her summer outdoor habits. 

“Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, but this disease is easy to prevent. All Australians should remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide before going out in the sun.”

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: