Dr Annika Smith
MBBS (Hons 1), MPHTM, FRACP, FACD
Dr Annika Smith is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and Consultant Dermatologist at several tertiary centres and private clinics in Sydney, including the Melanoma Institute and the Skin Hospital.
Dr Smith completed her training at the prestigious St John’s Institute of Dermatology London, followed by further sub-specialty training in New York.
Annika has a special interest in complex medical dermatology, including clinical and research interests in Psoriasis. Dr Smith has been published in local and international dermatology journals, has presented at national and international conferences and has co-authored several book chapters in the field of dermatology.
Melanoma in Australia
Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer in the younger demographic (20- to 39-year-olds). Sun exposure is the key risk factor for melanoma, and sun exposure in the first 10 to 20 years of life is critical to shaping one’s future melanoma risk.
Most melanomas can be prevented by simple sun protection alone. It is crucial that the foundations for sun safety begin in early childhood. Encouraging the use of sunscreen, hats, clothing, sunglasses and shade offers the best chance of sun protection and the best chance of reducing the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Empowering young children to initiate these simple sun safe steps is key to establishing long-lasting sun-safe habits. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to model sun-safe behaviour to their young people.
Fun in the Sun: Jack & Mia go to the Beach
Dr Annika Smith has written a children’s book – Fun in the Sun, to reinforce the key elements of sun-safe practice in a fun way, using a beachside adventure to introduce these concepts to early readers.
Fun in the Sun 