As summer approaches, outdoor workers are encouraged to be smart about sun protection
The federal government, in partnership with Cancer Council Australia, has announced it will be investing $15 million in campaigns targeting skin cancer in at-risk groups – including tradies – in its Save Your Skin campaign.
This summer, the End the Trend campaign for young people and Save Your Skin messaging for men over 40, especially those who live in the bush, tradies and others who work outdoors, will start to appear at venues.
Former professional cricketer and broadcaster Matthew Hayden is lending his voice to the campaign, saying that skin cancer has had a significant impact on himself and his family.
“It’s painful and bad for you and you will pay the price,” he says.
“I have a lot of sun damage on the sides of my face, because of the lack of protection from my cricket helmet.”
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But, he says, it’s never too late to start building in sun-smart moves into your daily routine.
“I always keep an extra pair of sunnies and a hat in my car and fishing boat,” he says.“Wearing a broad-brimmed hat makes such a difference – it’s great to see many cricketers wearing these now, rather than the baggy green.”
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer. The government is highlighting the five forms of sun protection – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide – as being the best way to avoid skin cancer.
“Skin cancer is Australia’s national cancer,” Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler says.
“Too many young people are risking skin cancer by suntanning, and many men who spend their lives outdoors don’t use enough sun protection.
“These campaigns are using innovative targeted messages and channels to drive home the importance of sun safety for communities most at risk of developing skin cancer.”
For more info, check out the Save Your Skin website.