Whilst more than double the number of Australian men are dying from melanoma than women, new ABS data funded by Cancer Council shows that men are still less likely to use sun protection than women.
Around three in four South Aussie men were not applying adequate sunscreen; 26.6% of South Australian men used SPF30 or higher sunscreen on most days last summer, compared to 44.1% of South Australian women.
In response, we have partnered with Cancer Council SA to launch the ‘Same Goes For You’ sun protection campaign.
The campaign, which targets South Aussie men aged 40-59, highlights that when you cover things up, they last longer. Same goes for your skin. The campaign will run over the coming months as UV levels soar to extreme levels, encouraging South Australian men to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide when the UV is 3 and above.
Cancer Council SA Prevention and Advocacy Manager Christine Morris says that with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, checking the UV before going outside and using the five SunSmart measures combined is the best way to protect your skin.
“It’s really important that South Australian men start to take in the SunSmart message. Not only is sun protection vital to reduce your own risk of skin cancer, but role modelling SunSmart behaviours for our children sets them up to take those practices into adulthood, reducing their risk too.”
“To protect your skin and theirs, when the UV is 3 and above, cover up and slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen, slap on a broadbrimmed or bucket hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.”
Preventive Health SA Acting Chief Executive Helen Thomas encourages all South Australians to be proactive in their wellbeing, as work also continues to ensure more GPs are trained and provided with the tools to provide skin checks in metro and regional areas.
“No matter where you live across the state, you are encouraged to regularly check your skin and talk to your GP if you notice any changes.”
Find out more:
- Visit Sunsmart.org.au
- Read the media release