New information revealed from the South Australian Cancer Registry has found twice as many South Australian men die from the skin cancer melanoma each year than do women.
Publicising the information as the UltraViolet (UV) season is on its way, the Registry’s information supports the Cancer Council’s latest data which show men less likely to protect their skin than women, with around a third of SA men (33%) being sunburnt at least once in summer last year.
As a result of the problem, Wellbeing SA has entered a partnership with Cancer Council SA to launch a SunSmart protection campaign ‘Same Goes For You’.
Manager, Prevention and Advocacy at the Cancer Council, Christine Morris said the research showed that men still ‘weren’t getting’ the SunSmart message.
“We know that Australia is one of the skin cancer capitals in the world,” Ms Morris said.
“In 2019, 879 South Australians were diagnosed with melanoma, with men disproportionately represented compared to women,” she said.
“The campaign, which targets South Aussie men, highlights that when you cover things up, they last longer.”
Ms Morris said that the same rule “applied to ‘things’ like your car, your deck and your barbecue, and your skin”.
“Protecting your skin through the five SunSmart measures – Slipping on sun protective clothing, Slopping on sunscreen, Slapping on a hat, Seeking shade and Sliding on sunglasses – is the best way to protect against harmful UV radiation,” she said.
“It’s really important that South Aussie men get on board with sun protection and set a good example for children.”
She said everyone should know that protecting themselves from the sun was the best way to reduce a person or family’s skin cancer risk.
“And more importantly, make sure that you’re around to continue to enjoy the things you love with those that mean the most to you,” she said.
Ms Morris said thehe “Same Goes For You” SunSmart Campaign is to run throughout the summer.
More information about the campaign is available at the Cancer Council website at this PS News link.
