A catchy jingle that reminds slip slop slackers to be SunSmart is available for use before the end of summer, and Cancer Council is urging public pools, beaches, sports clubs and theme parks to tune up and target those at risk of skin cancer.
The innovative jingle Sun Sound, produced by Sony Music and Ben Lee, was trialled in public pools from 2012 to 2013 before being launched statewide as an effective measure for encouraging SunSmart behaviour.
During the trial, Sun Sound was played once an hour between 10am and 3pm to remind pool-goers to stay SunSmart and adopt the five recommended sun protective behaviours – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift encouraged local sports clubs, pools, beaches and theme parks to take advantage of Sun Sound well beyond the summer months.
“Pools, beaches, festivals, outdoor events – wherever there’s a PA system – Queenslanders are able to broadcast Sun Sound and help reduce skin cancer rates,” Ms Clift said.
“Sun Sound was developed to help teenagers practice better sun protection, but the jingle benefits the whole family.
“Statistics* show 54 per cent of Queensland children aged 5 to 17 are sunburnt annually, with about five per cent receiving sunburn with blistering.
“We need to do better to ensure the best sun protection to reduce skin cancer rates.
“Damage to the skin can occur in as little as 10-15 minutes on a summer day, and often before sunburn appears on the skin.
“Sun Sound is an important reminder to keep sun safety at front of mind, to reapply sunscreen regularly, and to take all five recommended sun protective behaviours to reduce skin cancer risk.”
Ms Clift said Queensland adults could also be better role models – with only six per cent adopting all five recommended sun protective behaviours during summer.
“Sadly, many of us forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours when out and about, or don’t realise sunburn can occur within 15 minutes of sun exposure,” Ms Clift said.
“The short Sun Sound jingle at regular intervals reminds Queenslanders to Slip on protective clothing, Slop on SPF 30 or above broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on wrap-around sunnies.”
Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Around 133,000 non-melanoma and 3000 melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed across the state each year.
Sun protection is required when the UV Index is 3 and above. In Queensland, the UV Index is 3 and above all year round, so Cancer Council Queensland encourages sun protection through every season.
Queenslanders can access Sun Sound via www.cancerqld.org.au/sunsound.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland via Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or on our website.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media & Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
*http://www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/research-reports/reports/cho-report/cho-full-report.pdf