Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry today visited Dermatology Solutions in Rockhampton to remind everyone to be UV aware and to get their skin checked for skin cancers.
This follows a $10 million national awareness campaign that has been hitting iconic Australian beaches to remind Australians to stay safe in the sun in 2022. The campaign is part of a $20 million Liberal and Nationals Government investment over the next two years in skin cancer awareness activities.
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the campaign continues to spread the important message of sun safety across the region.
“It’s important that we protect ourselves against the dangers of the sun and that we all know exactly how to guard ourselves against skin cancer, with Australia having one of the highest rates of melanoma cancer in the world,” Ms Landry said.
“I encourage those across Capricornia to be UV aware make sure they remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide and to remember to get your skin checked at clinics such as Dermatology Solutions.”
Minister for Regional Health Dr David Gillespie said skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, and it is almost entirely preventable.
“Naturally, regional Australians spend more time outside through active recreation and employment than those in the city, so it’s important for us to keep on top of skin checks and sun safety,” Dr Gillespie said.
The Australian Government engaged the experts at Cancer Council Australia to create the national campaign that follows the renowned Sid from the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign of the 1980s.
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 is currently on free-to-air TV, digital and social media, outdoor advertising, and radio stations across Australia.
Cancer Council Australia CEO, Dr Tanya Buchanan welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and the campaign ahead.
“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.
“Raising awareness of SunSmart behaviours is critical both this year, and in the years to come to reduce incidence and save lives from skin cancer. Cancer Council welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and looks forward to a summer of sun safety.”
Cancer Council Australia has been delivering the campaign on behalf of the Australian Government. The Cancer Council is a household name, trusted by generations of Australians to provide the best advice and support to prevent, treat and better detect cancer.
