Commitment to skin cancer prevention shown at the Sunscreen Summit

Melanomas and keratinocyte cancers (BCC and SCC of the skin) are largely preventable, yet their incidence remains extremely high and the costs of treatment continue to climb.

Primary prevention is the mainstay of skin cancer control efforts, and is advocated by all stakeholders.

On March 19, the Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre (ASSC) hosted a Sunscreen Summit with a view to developing a consensus approach to sunscreen policy.

“As a group of skin cancer researchers and clinicians with a strong interest in public health, we are committed to sharing the latest evidence on sunscreen, and then applying that knowledge to reducing the burden of skin cancer.” Summit organiser Professor David Whiteman said.

The Summit proved to be a great success with over 100 representatives from NGOs, government agencies, specialist colleges, research institutions, policy makers and consumers, all gathering in one forum to hear the latest developments in skin cancer prevention.

Professor Whiteman said that the impressive representation at the meeting provides “tangible evidence that skin cancer prevention remains a very high priority among those working in preventive health in Australia and New Zealand.”

Many of the presentations from the Summit have been added to the ASSC website.

The Summit organising committee is in the process of preparing a summary report of the meeting, which includes a new national position statement on when to apply sunscreen. The report will be available on the ASSC website when approved, and a short report will be submitted for journal publication.

The Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre is a joint collaboration of The University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

Sunscreen Summit Organising Committee:
QIMR Berghofer: Prof David Whiteman, Prof Adele Green, A/Prof Rachel Neale, A/Prof Louisa Gordon, Dr Catherine Olsen
The University of Queensland: Prof H. Peter Soyer, Prof Monika Janda
Cancer Council Queensland: Prof Joanne Aitken