Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide with SpongeBob this Summer!
By
Cancer Council NSW
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news? Almost all skin cancers are preventable. That’s why this summer, Cancer Council NSW is teaming up with Paramount Pictures Australia to make sun safety fun for families through The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, hitting cinemas this Boxing Day.
Why sun safety matters
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for about 95% of all skin cancers in Australia. It’s invisible, and it can harm your skin even on cool or cloudy days. When the UV Index reaches 3 or above, it’s time to protect your skin. The best way to do that? Use all five forms of sun protection every time you’re outdoors:
- Slip on clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs
- Slop on SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade whenever possible
- Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067
Partnering with SpongeBob
SpongeBob’s reminding families to be a BIG GUY and remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide! “Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, but the good news is it’s highly preventable,” says Anita Dessaix, Chair of Cancer Council’s Public Health Committee. “Partnering with SpongeBob allows us to share this vital message in a fun and memorable way, helping families protect themselves while enjoying summer.”
How you can get involved
- Watch The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants in cinemas from Boxing Day
- Download free sun safety resources at sunsmart.com.au/resources
- Remind your friends and family to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide every time they head outdoors
Together, we can stop skin cancer before it starts
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, but prevention works. Look out for your friends and family this summer and remind them to stay sun safe. Tackling skin cancer takes all of us, so let’s make sun safety a habit for life.
If you have questions about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit cancercouncil.com.au