National Skin Cancer Action Week

National Skin Cancer Action Week is an annual event held at the start of summer which aims to raise awareness of skin cancer in Australia.

In 2010, National Skin Cancer Action Week runs from 21 to 27 November and is hosted by the Cancer Council in conjunction with the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

To kick off the start of week, the Cancer Council has launched a new skin cancer awareness campaign, Be SunSmart this summer.

Australian Cricket's Twenty-20 captain and Test vice captain, Michael Clarke, will front the new campaign to encourage greater use of sun protection and early detection of skin cancer.

Michael Clarke, who has had three skin cancers removed from his face, urged all Australians to be SunSmart this summer and be proactive about protecting and monitoring their skin.

"Playing cricket means I am outdoors during peak UV times, so I try to protect myself and keep an eye on my skin for any changes.

"I was lucky my cancers were so visible, but they can be anywhere on the body, so it is critical to be vigilant," Michael said.

Each year in Australia more than 1,700 people die from skin cancer, yet skin cancer is a preventable disease and the majority of skin cancers are treatable if they are detected early.

Prevention and regular checks of your skin should detect any suspicious lumps or spots as soon as they develop.

Further information

You can watch the Be SunSmart this summer campaign featuring Michael Clarke on the Cancer Council Australia YouTube Channel.

To find out more about skin cancer; go to the department's Better Health Channel website.