A NATIONAL ten-million-dollar summer skin cancer advertising blitz is ready for launch as new research shows Australian men are still not sun smart.<\/p>\n
Australia has one the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with an estimated two in three people diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.<\/p>\n
The multi-million-dollar campaign will push the sun smart message in a bid to drive down rates of the country’s most common, costly, and preventable cancers.<\/p>\n
The campaign featuring the updated Slip Slop, Slap, Seek and Hide message was launched on Sunday to coincide with National Skin Cancer Action Week.<\/p>\n
“Sadly, skin cancer claims the lives of more than 2000 Australians every year,\u201d Federal health minister Mark Butler said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYet, there are easy steps we can take to protect ourselves from the sun and reduce our risk of skin cancer.<\/p>\n
“Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection; Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.<\/p>\n
“Australians will see these messages throughout this summer and next, at the cricket, on TV, on radio, online, to help remind them how to stay safe from our ‘national cancer’.”<\/p>\n
Cancer Council Australia research shows\u00a0almost twice as many men as women will die from melanoma this year alone.<\/p>\n
Australians will be reminded to use the five forms of sun protection whenever the UV level is three or above: Slip on sun-protective clothing, Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses.<\/p>\n
The national campaign will begin in December.<\/p>\n
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