Cancer Council WA have relaunched its graphic Two sides of the sun campaign to educate West Aussies that it is UV not hot weather that causes skin damage.
Cancer Council WA SunSmart Manager, Sally Blane, said the campaign aims to motivate people to use multiple sun protection strategies during outdoor activities when UV levels reach 3 or above.
“The Two sides of the sun campaign was originally launched during the summer of 2021/2022. The latest phase of this campaign is now live and shows us that there are two sides of the sun; a pleasant and nurturing side, and a dangerous side which can lead to skin damage and skin cancer,” Ms Blane said
“Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime, yet it is highly preventable by using sun protection.
“We encourage people living in WA to visit www.myUV.com.au and check the UV level which will then guide their sun protection behaviour including slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. UV can still be high on cool or cloudy days – it is different to heat and can’t be felt.”
There were nearly 200 deaths from skin cancer in Western Australia in 2020 and more than 117,000 skin cancer treatments in 2023.
Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer is estimated to cost the WA health system approximately $172 million per year.
The campaign will run from February – May 2024 on radio (including digital audio), out-of-home and online channels (including social media and search activity).
Visit myUV.com.au for your local UV forecast and to learn how to protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer.