Public health experts are one step closer to answers on how best to decrease skin cancer rates, following the launch of a Queensland-wide survey on sun protection.
Cancer Council Queensland’s Everyday Health Survey seeks to gain understanding of Queenslanders’ knowledge and behaviours towards sun protection and explore how the community wants to be informed about skin cancer prevention and early detection. This in turn will inform the charity’s advocacy priorities, community programs and research agenda.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan called on Queenslanders to complete the online survey and have their say on skin cancer prevention.
“We want to get a snapshot of Queenslanders’ knowledge of sun protective behaviours and their habits,” Ms McMillan said.
“Survey respondents will also have their say on education and awareness, including whether they are in favour of a mass media campaign to inform Queenslanders about sun protection and early detection of skin cancer.
“This community survey will give the public a voice, allow us to develop initiatives and strategies to help the community reduce their risk of skin cancer, and assist in guiding our advocacy priorities.”
Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world with around 3700 people diagnosed with melanoma and more than 360,000 non-melanoma skin cancers removed annually.
“Almost all skin cancers, including melanoma, are caused by over-exposure to UV radiation from the sun, meaning skin cancer is almost entirely preventable,” Ms McMillan said.
“We’re calling on all Queenslanders aged 18 and over to take part in our Everyday Health Survey and have their say, so we can help protect everyone from skin cancer.”
This is the sixth Everyday Health Survey that Cancer Council Queensland has conducted. The surveys are designed to give Queenslanders a voice and engage them in a conversation about the health issues that affect all members of the community.
Queenslanders can complete Cancer Council Queensland’s Everyday Health Survey online at cancerqld.org.au/everydayhealthsurvey. The survey closes on Friday, November 29.
