Cancer Council & Aus Gov launch new sun safety campaign via Herd MSL
Cancer Council and the Australian Government have partnered to launch a new sun safety video campaign, reminding men to be more “SunSmart” this summer.
The centerpiece of the campaign is a film featuring Olympic swimmer, Michael Klim, and Australian cricket player, Brad Hodge, which offers sun safety instructions inspired by an aeroplane safety demonstration.
The campaign launches alongside Cancer Council data that shows Australian men aren’t being safe in the sun, despite being twice as likely to die from melanoma.
Key data points include that men were more likely than women to have recently been sunburnt at an outdoor swimming pool or sporting facility (11% vs 7%), or their workplace (7% vs 3%), and that less than half (45%) of Australian men agree that sun protection is part of their daily routine.
In addition, Men are half as likely as women to report applying sunscreen (SPF30 or more) as part of their routine most days in summer (22% compared to 41%).
Federal minister for health and aged care, Mark Butler, said: “Overexposure to harmful UV radiation causes 95% of melanomas, making skin cancer almost entirely preventable.
“We know if we can get people to be safer in the sun – by checking the UV, covering up from the sun with hat, sunnies, clothes, shade and sunscreen – we can save lives.
“We are asking all Australians, in particular men aged over 40, to think of sun safety every time they head outdoors. This video is a fun way to encourage that group to think twice and be SunSmart, whether that’s while playing a round of backyard cricket or on the tools at work.”
Cancer Council CEO, Tanya Buchanan, noted that more needs to be done to ensure males are safeguarding themselves from the cumulative impact of the sun.
“We are proud to be working with the Australian Government once again and enlisting the help of respected Australian sporting stars to save lives from our ‘national cancer’,” she said.
“Even on a cloudy or rainy day, UV levels can still be high and put you at risk, so always check the UV before you head outside.”
“Most skin cancers can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection. Whenever the UV levels are three or above, Australians should Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.”
The campaign launches across the Cancer Council’s YouTube and social media channels.
Credits
Video production – Hug Media
Creative and PR – Herd MSL
Client – Cancer Council and the Australian Government
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