ONE of Australia’s most iconic public health campaigns is celebrating 45 years of protecting generations from the harsh Australian sun, but health experts warn the fight against skin cancer is far from over.
Now, as Australia marks the campaign’s 45th anniversary, Cancer Council Australia is bringing the much-loved character back into the spotlight, introducing Little Sid Seagull to help educate a new generation about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation.
The milestone coincides with National Skin Cancer Action Week, running from November 15 to 22, with this year’s theme, Sun safe habits last a lifetime, highlighting the importance of establishing healthy behaviours from childhood.
For families across Ipswich and South East Queensland, where outdoor sport, backyard barbecues, swimming and trips to the beach are part of everyday life, the message remains particularly important as summer approaches.
Despite decades of public education, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime, while non-melanoma skin cancers account for more diagnoses than all other cancers combined.
Cancer Council Australia CEO Jacinta Reddan said the campaign had achieved remarkable success, but there was still considerable work ahead.
“For 45 years, Sid Seagull has helped Australians remember how to protect themselves from the sun. While we’ve made progress, the job’s not done,” Ms Reddan said.
Research also highlights the powerful influence parents have on their children’s behaviour.
The original three-step message has since expanded to five essential sun protection measures: Slip on protective clothing, Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses.
