A new advertising campaign will encourage young Queenslanders to stay sun safe this winter by reminding them to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
The Palaszczuk Government is launching a new sun safety adverting campaign aimed at encouraging Queenslanders to continue the five sun smart behaviours – slip, slop, slap, seek, slide – year-round, even during the cooler winter months.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, while one Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.
Queensland has the unenviable record of having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
The new campaign will highlight the fact that Queenslander’s need to remember that, even though the temperatures may have dropped slightly, skin damage is still a risk and they need to take care.
The campaign will feature a range of advertisements across multiple media channels including social media, newspapers, radio, podcasts and outdoor advertising and will run from 8 May – 30 June 2023.
The ads will specifically target Queenslanders aged 18-34 years old, outdoor workers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Palaszczuk Government has committed $8.4 million over the next four years for skin cancer prevention activities including the new sun safety adverting campaign, as well as early detection outreach clinics.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath:
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to doing all we can to reduce the incidence of skin cancers occurring in Queensland.
“While we have made tremendous advances in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer, prevention remains the best option.
“My own experience with melanoma has changed the way I protect myself from the sun, but I would implore younger people to take it seriously now, so they don’t have deal with skin cancer later in life.
“I would encourage all Queenslanders to practice the sun safety behaviours including slipping on protective clothing, slopping on SPF30+ sunscreen, slapping on a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade and sliding on wrap-around sunglasses every time they go outside, no matter the season.
“Too many people think these actions are only necessary when spending an extended period outside during the hot summer months.
“However, what a lot of people don’t realise is that skin damage is still a serious risk in winter, when you often don’t think about protecting your skin because the weather is cooler.
“Queenslanders also receive a considerable percentage of their sun exposure during incidental exposures, such as hanging out washing or walking to a café at lunchtime.
“It is also important to check your own skin.
“If you notice any changes talk to your GP about a skin check.”
