To remind Victorians of the importance of sun protection habits over summer, SunSmart has launched Victoria’s ‘Don’t Let Cancer In’ campaign, supported by the Victorian Department of Health.
SunSmart Victoria’s new campaign is calling on Victorians, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, not to be complacent when it comes to sun protection, as experts claim we must stay focused on addressing the risks associated with UV radiation across the state.
Head of SunSmart Victoria, Emma Glassenbury said while it is fantastic to see the high level of understanding of the connection between using sun protection and reducing your risk of skin cancer, ongoing work needs to be done to ensure sun protection is part of everyone’s daily routine.
“We’ve made great and significant strides in Victoria in terms of reducing the burden of skin cancer, particularly in younger age groups, but we are concerned some population groups are not heeding the
sun protection message and suffering the consequences,” she said.
“That’s why this new campaign is addressing complacency head on and will speak to parts of our most at risk population groups including men who are twice as likely to die from melanoma and those in regional areas who are diagnosed at 44% more than those in metropolitan areas.
“We must all remember repeated exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, which can spread from the skin to vital organs like the brain, lungs and
liver.”
Health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the personal impact of skin cancer on Victorians and their families can be devastating and supports SunSmart Victoria’s mission to increase sun protection behaviours to save lives.
“This is an important campaign for Victoria, as we know skin cancer is preventable,” she said.
“We want to see families across the state using sun protection every time they head outdoors when the UV index is 3 or above.
“Skin cancer can happen to anyone. The best way to stay safe from harmful UV waves is to plan ahead, stay indoors on extreme UV days and seek shade where you can, remember your sunscreen, and cover up with loose clothing and a hat.”
