NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy

Vision: To reduce the incidence of skin cancer in NSW

The impact of skin cancer, both in the number of people affected and in the costs to our health system, is significant. However, skin cancer has been found to be one of the most preventable cancers.

It is estimated that nearly 95% of skin cancers can be prevented through reduced exposure to UVR.

This second NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy highlights the NSW Government’s continued commitment to reducing overexposure to UVR by focusing its strategies and actions towards achieving the following goals:

Priority populations

Children, Adolescents and young adults, Adult males over 40

Goal 1: To increase implementation of comprehensive effective sun protection policies and guideline

Learn more about Goal 1

Objectives:

Improve awareness of policies and guidelines
Increase capacity for development and implementation of policies and guidelines
Use data and information to monitor extent and quality of policies and guidelines

Goal 2: To improve access to adequate shade

Learn more about Goal 2

Objectives:

Improve awareness and understanding of adequate shade
Improve measurement of shade availability and adequacy
Increase availability of adequate shade
Use data and information to monitor shade availability and adequacy

Goal 3: To increase the adoption of sun protection behaviours

Learn more about Goal 3

Objectives:

Ensure that skin cancer messaging is consistent and in line with best practice
Positive change in UVR protection knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
Use data and information to assess the impact of public education campaigns and other interventions

Priority settings

Community, Education, Workplaces, Recreation, Healthcare services

Guiding principles

Public sector, private sector and community sharing responsibility and working effectively together to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in NSW.

Learning from and building on the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2012-15.

User data and information to monitor and improve performance of skin cancer prevention policies, services, programs and campaigns.

"The NSW Cancer Plan sets out the state's blueprint fo reducing the incidence of cancer; increasing survival and improving the quality of life, treatment and care for people affected by cancer. David Currow, NSW Chief Cancer Officer & CEO Cancer Institute NSW