Sun safety, HSC, New Zealand.

A range of photos depicting HSC activity areas.

SUN SAFETY

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting New Zealanders. More than 300 New Zealanders die every year from skin cancer, with melanoma being responsible for most of these deaths (235 in 2002), with a further 111 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers.

The main causal factor for melanoma is over exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), particularly acute intermittent exposure, and particularly during childhood. Studies have shown that the best avenue for melanoma prevention is by encouraging protection against sunburn, particularly in children, fair haired, and fair skinned people.

The promotion of sun safety in New Zealand (using the SunSmart brand) is managed through a close strategic partnership between the HSC and the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

A significant initiative is the New Zealand Skin Cancer Steering Group, facilitated by the HSC and the Cancer Society and comprising a wide range of experts. The Group meets triennially to update its Strategic Framework, the most recent of which is focused on 2005-2008.

The New Zealand Skin Cancer Control Strategy has a goal of reducing the proportion of New Zealanders who develop and die from skin cancer. HSC’s SunSmart activities are consistent with this goal. Overall objectives of the strategy focus on:

	Improving prevention of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, to reduce incidence.
	Improving early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, to reduce mortality.
	Increasing effectiveness of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.
	Increasing investment in skin cancer control research and evaluation and surveillance.

Of these objectives, the emphasis of the HSC’s SunSmart programme will be on improving prevention of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, to reduce incidence, with an emphasis on 8 to 12-year-olds and their parents and caregivers. HSC will, therefore, develop strategies to:

	Increase (effective) use of sun protection strategies.
	Reduce time exposed to harmful UVR.

Visit www.sunsmart.org.nz for more information about what HSC is doing in this area.

Last updated: 24/8/07.

update