SKIN CANCER CONTROL
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand and the incidence rates from melanoma are among the highest in the world. Yet, skin cancer is readily preventable.
Because of the link between skin cancer and excessive sun exposure, the Cancer Society considers the prevention and early detection of skin cancer as one of its key strategic objectives. The Cancer Society initiated melanoma prevention and sun protection programmes over 20 years ago in response to rising melanoma rates. The Society has since provided leadership on skin cancer issues, more recently in partnership with the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) – the SunSmart Partnership.
Since 2003, the Cancer Society has also undertaken to work within the framework of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy (NZCCS). One of the NCCS’s key primary prevention objectives is to ‘reduce the number of people developing skin cancer due to UV radiation exposure.’
SunSmart week takes place in the second full week of November each year. It aims to raise people's awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and to show people how to have fun in the sun safely.
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