Media release: Experts call for stronger policy action to cut New Zealand’s skin cancer burden

Researchers are calling for government action to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand’s sun safety policies and reduce the country’s high rates of skin cancer, the nation’s most common and preventable cancer.

Each year, tens of thousands of New Zealanders are treated for skin cancers, costing the health system around $450 million. Yet according to the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, annual government investment in prevention is approximately $300,000, one quarter of what it was two decades ago.

“Prevention investment is not aligned with the scale of the problem,” says lead author, Dr Bronwen McNoe from the University of Otago. “Effective policy to reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure would lower the incidence of skin cancer and save the country health dollars.”

Excessive exposure to UVR is the main modifiable risk factor for skin. However, the Briefing lays out how gaps remain across key sectors including education, workplaces, sports, and local government.

In schools, sun safety is inconsistently addressed despite legislative requirements for safe learning environments. The recent removal of UVR from the Education Review Office’s Board Assurance checklist highlights a growing policy gap.

Outdoor workers also face significant risks, with UVR the second most common workplace carcinogen. Fewer than half of outdoor workers report having a sun protection policy at their workplace, and only about half say their employer provides hats or sunscreen.

Local councils, which manage most public outdoor spaces, are also under-equipped to act. Only six of 67 councils have UVR policies despite strong public demand for more shade in parks and playgrounds. Also, only 12 of 71 national sporting organisations include sun protection measures, with just two meeting best practice standards.

Public support for action is overwhelming. National survey data show 87% of New Zealanders back a comprehensive SunSmart programme, 82% support a national campaign, and 90% favour shade provision in schools.

The Briefing calls for:

• A national policy framework that prioritises UVR protection across schools, workplaces, sports, and local government
• Mandatory product standards for sunglasses, clothing, and shade materials
• Dedicated funding for prevention programmes and community-based shade infrastructure
• A complete ban on commercial sunbeds, aligning New Zealand with Australia

“Skin cancer prevention is a classic case where policy can save both lives and money,” says Dr McNoe. “The solutions are known, cost-effective, and strongly supported by the public. What’s needed now is for skin cancer prevention to become a public health priority in NZ.”