A national $10 million summer skin cancer advertising blitz is ready for launch as new research shows Australian men are still not sun smart.

Australia has one the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with an estimated two in three people diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.

The multi-million-dollar campaign will push the SunSmart message in a bid to drive down rates of the country’s most common, costly, and preventable cancers.

The campaign featuring the updated Slip Slop, Slap, Seek and Hide message was launched on Sunday to coincide with National Skin Cancer Action Week.

“Sadly, skin cancer claims the lives of more than 2000 Australians every year. Yet, there are easy steps we can take to protect ourselves from the sun and reduce our risk of skin cancer,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.

“Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection – 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’.”

Cancer Council Australia research shows almost twice as many men as women will die from melanoma this year alone.

Australians will be reminded to use the five forms of sun protection whenever the UV level is three or above: 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.

The campaign will begin in December.

– AAP