Like many busy parents, Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris knows important health checks can be put on the backburner.
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With a fair complexion and growing up in New Zealand when the sun smart message had not quite taken off, she's in a higher risk category for skin cancer.
She and other local politicians led by example yesterday having her skinned checked by a dermatologist.
Local dermatologist and president of the Australian College of Dermatologist Dr Andrew Miller conducted the skin tests of Assembly politicians as part of a push to get Canberrans to know their skin better.
A recent survey by Cancer Council ACT showed about 53,000 Canberrans were sunburnt on any given weekend over the summer of 2061-17.
It wants Canberrans to protect themselves in the sun better and get yearly skin checks.
Ms Fitzharris said she was reminded how important it is to know your own skin and when anything changes.
"We often make sure our kids are well covered and understand about being sunsmart, but we don't often take that advice ourselves," she said.
"It's a good reminder to me and I'm hoping the opportunity ... here today at the Assembly checking in on all our members is also a reminder to the broader Canberra community to know your skin and make sure that you're sunsmart."
Dr Miller said it was important for parents to protect themselves with sunscreen, hats, shade and clothing as well as their children.
"With two thirds of adults developing skin cancer in their lifetime, it's never too late to protect your skin," he said.
Cancer council ACT CEO Sandra Turner said UV levels in the ACT would be above three most of the day until the end of may.
"We want to see more adults in the ACT joining their children in being SunSmart," she said.
"Getting out politicians to lead by example is one way to get the message out there."
