November 19-25 is National Skin Cancer Action Week, a collaborative campaign by Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Our country’s skin cancer stats are alarming: more than 2000 Aussies die every year from skin cancer. As well, two in three people will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70.
That’s why National Skin Cancer Action Week centres on early prevention and detection.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide
The week is a reminder to practice the good ol’ Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide steps:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing.
- Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
- Slap on a hat.
- Slide on sunglasses.
- And an extra one: seek shade, even on overcast days.
Get checked
Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide can help you prevent skin cancer. But when it comes to early detection, you’ll want to have regular skin checks.
You should keep an eye on your skin, looking for any changes, as well as having a doctor or other medical professional check moles.
Get involved
There are many ways you can get involved in National Skin Cancer Action Week. As well as following the campaign messages above, keep an eye on the Cancer Council Australia website for events and resources.
Originally published on Nov 01, 2017
