NZ Skin Cancer Primary Prevention & Early Detection Strategy 2017 – 2022

The New Zealand Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2017 to 2022 is a five-year strategy that helps inform programmes and activities to reduce the incidence and impact of skin cancer in New Zealand.

The strategy is directed at all professionals working in skin cancer control and has a particular focus on primary prevention and early detection.  It includes an up-to-date analysis of both the epidemiology of skin cancer in New Zealand, including risk factors, as well as evidence-based interventions to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that causes harm.

Evidence suggests that the best avenues for reducing New Zealand’s skin cancer burden are primary prevention and early diagnosis.  Therefore, all health professionals, including policy makers and the health and skin workforce, are encouraged to view this strategy as a call to action as well as an evidence-based source of information.

The strategy also is designed as a basis for fostering broader and greater engagement in skin cancer primary prevention by agencies that include the Ministry of Education (school and early childhood settings) and WorkSafe NZ (workplace settings) as well as local government and sporting and recreational bodies.

The New Zealand Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Early Detection Strategy is available (as a PDF) here and on the SunSmart website.