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Skin Cancer Action Week: sun safe habits that last a lifetime

neilmcaliece
12 hours ago
2 min read

National Skin Cancer Action Week runs from 15 to 22 November 2026. This year's theme from Cancer Council Australia is "Sun safe habits last a lifetime". It also marks 45 years since Sid Seagull first told Australians to Slip, Slop, Slap.

Illustration of an adult in a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves and sunglasses putting on sunscreen in the shade at the beach. Sun safe habits last a lifetime.

Why it matters

Skin cancer is Australia's most common cancer. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of it in their lifetime. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause.

You can't see or feel UV. A cool or cloudy day can still burn. Check the UV level for where you are each day with the free SunSmart Global UV app.

Five steps whenever the UV is 3 or above

  • Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

  • Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.

  • Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, head, neck and ears.

  • Seek shade.

  • Slide on sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard.

Use all five together. Sunscreen is not a suit of armour on its own.

Getting sunscreen right

Put sunscreen on clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before you go outside. Reapply every two hours. Reapply after swimming or a lot of sweating too.

Most adults need more than they think. Allow about a teaspoon for your head and neck, one for each arm and leg, one for the front of your body and one for the back. That is about seven teaspoons (35 mL) for the whole body.

Habits start early

About half of our lifetime UV exposure happens before the age of 20. Cancer Council says children are 12 times more likely to use sunscreen when they see their parents do it first.

Putting on your own hat and sunscreen before heading out is one of the simplest ways to help the whole family build the habit.

Know your skin

Get to know what your skin normally looks like. If you notice a new spot, or a spot that changes in shape, colour or size, see your GP promptly. Most skin cancers can be treated successfully when they are found early.

Talk to us

If you have a spot you are unsure about, book a check-up and ask us to take a look.

Source: Cancer Council Australia, National Skin Cancer Action Week 2026, cancer.org.au/nscaw2026

Cancer Council Australia, Be SunSmart, cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart

 
 
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