National Skin Cancer Action Week: combatting Australia’s ‘national cancer’
Incidental sun exposure adds up. We’re encouraging all Australians to make sun protection a daily habit to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
National Skin Cancer Action Week (16 - 22 November 2025) highlights that we need to do more to keep sun protection front of mind when UV is 3 or above.
We’ll update this page shortly with more information about how you can help share these important messages this National Skin Cancer Action Week
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.
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.