Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today joined Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper and SunSmart Ambassador Catherine Andrews to launch a six-week SunSmart advertising campaign, to remind Victorians about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and tanning.
The Andrews Labor Government has provided $700,000 for the campaign, to ensure all Victorians hear and learn about the need to be sun smart.
The previous Liberal Government left office without allocating funding for this important awareness campaign.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet more than 40,000 cases are treated in Victoria each year.
In 2013, 2,307 people were diagnosed with melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – and 374 people died of the disease. A further 86 people died of other skin cancers.
The advertisements, which start on Sunday, will include print, radio, TV, cinema and online ads, including a family’s testimonial of 26 year old Wes Bonny who sadly died of melanoma.
This funding is in addition to the Labor Government’s election commitment of $15 million to fight skin cancer, including $10 million in grants for shade in public places and $5 million for SunSmart to run similar public education campaigns.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy
“Australia still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, but it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.”
“We want to make sure Victorians hear this message. If you’re spending time in the sun, be smart about it.”
“Melanoma can occur in any person at any age and is one of the most prevalent, yet largely preventable cancers affecting Victorians.”
Quotes attributable to SunSmart Ambassador, Catherine Andrews
“My family loves spending time outdoors, playing sport and going to the beach, but we always make sure we do our best to be sun smart.”
“This campaign is an important reminder to all Victorians to make sure they're adequately protected from the sun each and every day.”
Key Facts
Reviewed 19 August 2020