New Zealand is facing a significant yet preventable skin cancer crisis
Developed by MelNet with support from skin cancer experts and sector stakeholders, the Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024-2028 provides a roadmap to reduce the incidence and impact of skin cancer in New Zealand.
Bringing together healthcare providers, educational organisations, workplaces, sporting and recreational bodies, community and advocacy groups, and local and central government, this unified approach aims to create meaningful change, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 - 2028 Health
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the prevention, early detection, and ongoing management of skin cancer. By raising awareness, offering tailored advice, and providing early and accurate diagnoses, our health workforce is not only saving lives today, but also shaping a future where skin cancer is better understood and more effectively prevented.
Education professionals play a vital role in shaping lifelong sun-protective behaviours. Children are at school when UV levels are at their highest, and at least part of this time is spent outdoors. Schools and early childhood centres are uniquely positioned to create sun-safe environments and instill good habits that will protect children throughout their lives.
SunSmart schools resources
Workplaces
Workplace leaders have a responsibility to protect workers from ultraviolet radiation (UVR), whether they work primarily outdoors or spend time outside as part of their role. These workers can receive up to 10 times more UVR exposure than indoor workers, increasing their risk of skin cancer. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, employers are required to protect their workers from risks arising from their work, including UVR. Implementing effective sun protection policies and practices is essential to ensuring worker safety and wellbeing.
Recreation
New Zealand is known for its outdoor lifestyle, but the more time we spend in the sun without protection, the higher our risk of skin cancer. Councils play an important role in the health and safety of their communities and have the unique opportunity to support sun-safe practices when designing outdoor recreation spaces.
Sports
Participants in outdoor sports can receive significant UV exposure during training and competition. Promoting sun-safe practices, implementing effective sun protection measures and creating sun-safe sporting environments is vital for the wellbeing of athletes, officials, and spectators alike.
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