Dear Editor
This week is National Skin Cancer Action Week, a time where we remind ourselves of the importance of good sun protection.
You may have seen the release of new Cancer Council data showing that one in four 25 to 44-year-olds are getting sunburnt on summer weekends. Many of us would have grown up with Cancer Council’s SunSmart ‘Sid the Seagull’ campaign that launched in 1980. The catchy ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ slogan (now updated to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’) has now become part of the Australian vernacular.
Many of us now have kids of our own, and Sid’s simple message still resonates. Although some things are different, it’s still the same sun. So, it’s important that adults remember to not only look after themselves, but that they are also role models for their children.
Walking the talk reinforces good behaviours for the next generation, ultimately saving lives – so when you put your sunscreen on, wear a hat, some sunnies, protective clothes, and play together in the shade, you’re teaching your kids a very simple but important life lesson: sun protection is for everyone.
This National Skin Cancer Action Week and all summer, remember that even though things may have changed since the campaigns of the 80’s and 90’s, it’s still the same sun, so don’t forget to SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen, SLAP on a hat, SEEK shade and SLIDE on sunglasses!
Take care, Liz King,
Skin Cancer Prevention Manager,
Cancer Council NSW