To mark the start of National Skin Cancer Action Week, the Albanese Government is launching its summer skin cancer prevention campaign reminding men over 40 to protect themselves in the sun this summer. National Skin Cancer Action Week runs from Sunday 19 November to Sunday 26 November. Skin cancer is Australia’s most common and preventable cancer, with men twice as likely than women to die from melanoma.
The Albanese Government has teamed up with Cancer Council Australia to get more Aussie men doing the Five S’s- Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide to prevent skin cancer.
The Government has invested $1.4 million into the campaign – delivered in partnership with Cancer Council Australia – to build on the success of last summer’s ‘Save Your Skin’ message which reached 87% of Australian men aged 40+.
The campaign comes as research commissioned by Cancer Council Australia shows men are not regularly using all 5 forms of sun protection. Only 1 in 3 Australian men were likely to always wear a hat, whilst only 1 in 10 were likely to always apply sunscreen.
The test cricket broadcast and online campaign will drive home the simple message that when the UV is 3 or above it’s important to 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.
“I know myself how bad men can be at prioritising their health, but by practicing all 5 forms of sun protection while doing the things we love outside this summer, men can protect themselves from most forms of skin cancer” stated Minister Butler.
“I urge all Australians, but particularly men over 40, to take steps to protect themselves in the sun this summer. Sun protection is simple and it saves lives” he said.
Professor Tanya Buchanan, Cancer Council Australia CEO, noted that “the research shows Australian men are not being safe in the sun despite 80% of men surveyed agreeing that if they regularly protected themselves from the sun, they can avoid skin cancer. More than half of men reported having at least one incidence of sunburn over summer.
“Unfortunately, skin cancer claims the lives of over 2,000 Australians every year. That’s why it’s so important to have campaigns like this, continuing to remind Australians of the five easy steps they can take to reduce their risk of skin cancer every day – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide” she said.
