By
Josip Teklic
We can all live safely under the sun
Australian’s love the outdoors. From the beaches to the parks, we enjoy being outside, staying active, and living healthy lives.
But while we take pride in our outdoor culture, there’s something important we need to talk about: too many Australians are being diagnosed with skin cancer.
The good news? Skin cancer is highly preventable, and there’s something you can do about it. It is estimated that at least 95% of skin cancers in Australia are caused by overexposure to UV. The evidence is clear: preventing sun damage is the most effective way to reduce future skin cancer risk.
To help bring attention to this serious issue and help advocate change, the new Conquering Skin Cancer documentary aims to inspire audiences to take up prevention measures and be part of the solution to end preventable skin cancers. When it comes to skin cancer the job’s not done until we’re all safe in the sun.
The problem with skin cancer
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians expected to develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
This includes melanoma, which is the most common cancer in young people aged 18-39 years.
In fact, skin cancer causes more deaths in Australia than car accidents, and the World Health Organisation predicts that melanoma deaths could increase by 68% by 2040.
Conquering Skin Cancer is a social impact film featuring compelling stories of people who have faced skin cancer, advocates and world leading experts – all with a common goal of preventing skin cancer.
Would you like to organise a screening in your local area? Contact Moonshine directly on hello@moonshineagency.com.au. Sessions can be adopted by champions and used to educate the local community, host Q&A style events, and/or fundraise for a cause of the champion’s choice. You can find out more about what championing a session looks like from the film’s producers in this video.
What can we do?
While UV damage is permanent and cumulative, the good news is that it’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Taking preventive measures at any age can reduce your future risk of skin cancer.
Remember the five easy steps to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays: Slip on your sun protective clothing, Slop on SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad brimmed hat, Seek available shade, and Slide on some sunglasses.
It’s important to look after yourself and your family by following the five SunSmart behaviours, as well as getting to know your skin and talking to your GP if you notice any changes.
But we can go even further.
We all have a responsibility to do our part and work together to advocate and role model for better access to – and uptake of – sun safety in the places where we live, learn, work and play.
To support communities and passionate advocates, Cancer Council NSW has created the Shade advocacy toolkit. This toolkit shows how communities can create more shaded areas in schools, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
To protect future generations, we need to invest in sun safety. Schools, local councils, and communities can all work together to create sun protective environments.
By doing this, we can reduce the number of people who develop skin cancer in the future.
Why shade matters
Shade is one of the easiest ways to protect against UV radiation. Good-quality shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%.
The provision of shade is also an important component in the design and creation of safe and healthy communities.
By advocating for better access to quality shade, we can make sure that public spaces are safe for everyone.
How can you help?
Become an advocate for shade and download Cancer Council’s Shade advocacy toolkit.
Imagine if every playground, sports field, and park had enough shade for everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely!
Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Download the Shade advocacy toolkit: This guide will give you everything you need to become a shade champion in your community. Get in touch with sunsmart@nswcc.org.au if you have any ideas or would like support to become a sun safe champion in your community.
- Watch Conquering Skin Cancer: This film brings attention to the importance of sun safety and skin cancer prevention. It’s not just educational, it’s inspiring. You can either watch the Conquering Skin Cancer at a participating cinema, or you can host a screening.
- Practice sun safety: Don’t forget to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide every time you’re outside. This is the easiest way to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays. Check out our latest sun safe products at our Cancer Council shop.
- Talk to Cancer Council: If you or someone you know needs support or information about cancer, call Cancer Council’s Information and Support service at 13 11 20.
By prioritising sun safety and investing in prevention, we can protect future generations and reduce the burden of this largely preventable disease.
Tackling skin cancer – including melanoma – takes all of us.
Together, we can make sure that “every body” can live safely under the sun.
Learn more about skin cancer, including how to best protect yourself from the sun’s UV and what to look for when checking your skin.
If you or anyone you know has any questions about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support.
You can either watch the Conquering Skin Cancer at a participating cinema, or you can host a screening.
Become an advocate for shade and download Cancer Council’s Shade advocacy toolkit.
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