The good news is that skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Action Week exists to raise awareness of how Australians can be SunSmart and ultimately reduce the number of skin cancer cases.
Held in the third week of November each year, National Skin Cancer Action Week is Australia's moment to focus on our most common cancer. Just before summer kicks off, it’s a timely reminder to check the UV, protect our skin and get to know our body, so we can act early if something changes.
Let’s reduce the impact of Australia’s national cancer
Most skin cancers can be prevented through simple, everyday sun protection measures. But the impact of skin cancer remains significant:
- Skin cancer accounts for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia, and more than 2,000 Australians lose their lives to skin cancer every year.
- Every six hours, an Australian dies from melanoma.
- Just 15 minutes of unprotected exposure when UV is 3 or above can start to damage your skin
These are confronting numbers, but with a few simple, everyday habits most skin cancers are almost entirely preventable.
National Skin Cancer Awareness Week raises awareness of how we can protect our skin from exposure to harmful UV radiation — because most skin cancers can beost skin cancers can be prevented with simple, everyday habits such as checking the UV index, avoiding exposure during the hottest part of the day and, of course, following our five simple steps: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
Five simple ways to protect yourself
Whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above, use all five forms of sun protection:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours. Sunscreen should never be your only line of defence
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses, ideally a wraparound style, that meet Australian standards.
Get to know your skin
Sun protection is important, but it’s only part of the picture. It's equally important to know what's normal for your skin. Check regularly for any new spots or changes in the size, shape or colour of existing spots. If something doesn't look right, see your GP or dermatologist promptly. Caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
Cancer Council works year-round to make sun protection easier, more visible and part of everyday life — at home, at work, at school and in the community. National Skin Cancer Action Week is our annual call to action.
Upcoming National Skin Cancer Action Week dates:
- 2026: Sunday 15 – Sunday 22 November
- 2027: Sunday 21 – Sunday 28 November
- 2028: Sunday 19 – Sunday 26 November
National Skin Cancer Action Week is trademarked by Cancer Council Australia.