Geelong residents are being reminded to be sun smart this summer ahead of a $10 million national awareness campaign which will hit iconic Australian beaches to remind Australians to be UV aware and stay safe in the sun in 2022.
The campaign is part of a $20 million Australian government investment over the next two years in skin cancer awareness activities.
The Australian government has engaged the experts at Cancer Council Australia to create a national campaign that follows the renowned Sid from the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign of the 1980s.
Jimmy and his faithful side kick Fido will hit screens across the country and appear at awareness raising events from Bondi to Cottesloe to remind Aussies to check the UV index and be SunSmart this summer.
The campaign is designed to educate people that when it comes to skin cancer protection, it’s ultraviolent radiation (UV) – not heat – that people need to be aware of.
The campaign will be on free-to-air TV, digital and social media, outdoor advertising, and radio stations across Australia. It will be backed by events in every State and the Northern Territory, where people can pick up free sunscreen, Cancer Council hats, play games, and grab some shade under a Cancer Council cabana.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the new campaign would continue to spread the important message of sun safety this summer.
“With many Australians looking to spend the summer outside, it is important that we all remember to take care of ourselves this holiday period, including our skin,” Ms Henderson said.
“I encourage everyone to be UV aware make sure they remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide this summer.”
Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt said skin cancer is estimated to cause more than 1315 deaths in Australia in 2021, a figure that is far too high.
“While we need to protect ourselves through vaccination from COVID-19, we also need to protect our skin from melanoma,” Mr Hunt said.
“This summer, make sure you cover up with a hat, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen and sunglasses. This is the best way to protect yourself against melanoma.”
While melanoma risk increases with age, people under 30, and even teenagers, can develop this cancer and die. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, melanoma is estimated to be the most diagnosed cancer among 20 to 39-year-olds in 2021.
Cancer Council Australia chief executive, Dr Tanya Buchanan, welcomed the government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and the campaign ahead.
“Skin cancer is Australia’s most common, most costly cancer, and it is almost entirely preventable.
“In Australia this year, there will be more than a million treatments for skin cancer, and it is estimated nearly 17,000 Australians will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of the disease, melanoma. That’s why it’s critical that we continue to fund and promote ongoing public awareness campaigns about being SunSmart.
“The message is simple, whenever the UV index is three or above, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.”
