It has been an interesting start to the upcoming summer months, with temperatures still below average in the late weeks of November. However, the sun is still shining and the impacts that the sun can have on the skin are deadly serious. 

Although today marks the end of National Skin Action Cancer Week (20-26 November) we will soon see the beginning of a new campaign that hopes to ingrain protective behaviours in the Australian population.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler has announced an Australian Government skin cancer prevention campaign which will take place in December- Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

"Australians will see these messages throughout this summer and next – at the cricket, on TV, on radio, online – to help remind them how to stay safe from our ‘national cancer’," Mr Butler said.

Over-exposure to UV radiation causes 95% of melanomas and residents living in rural and remote areas are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer so we are at the front line of the battle.

The campaign will urge action, rather than just awareness, reminding us to Slip on sun-protective clothing, Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen, Slap on a broad brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. 

Dr Megan Belot, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia says that regular skin checks are vitally important.

"Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with around two thirds of Aussies being diagnosed with a skin cancer during their lifetime," Dr Belot said.

“Unfortunately, rates are even higher in regional, rural and remote areas, and we know that older men are the least likely to protect themselves from the sun, and are also less likely to make a skin check appointment with their doctor, often delaying their diagnosis.

"It is extremely important that diagnosis is made earlier on to increase chances of survival, said Dr Belot.

Research by the Cancer Council Australia shows almost twice as many men as women will die from melanoma this year alone. PHOTO: Getty Images.

“Early diagnosis and action on skin cancer is essential. Survival from melanoma is strongly associated with depth of invasion; deeper and thicker melanomas are more likely to metastasise (spread) and be more difficult to treat.

“A skin check is the most important cancer screening you can have; skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia," she said.

Anyone can be at risk of skin cancer, however certain characteristics are at greater risk.

These can include a large number of moles, a lighter, natural skin colour, a family history of skin cancer and older age. 

Dr Belot wants to remind rural and remote residents that if you have not had a skin check recently, to contact your local doctor to book an appointment.

"Many rural doctors have a special interest and additional training in skin cancer diagnosis and removal and are your best bet to ensure any changes are picked up early and treated quickly and correctly," she said. 

In the meantime, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Sleek and Slide.