Regional Young Aussies Still Putting Themselves at Risk
Announcement posted by Pretty Shady, Summer 2015-16 24 Nov 2015
New figures from the Cancer Institute NSW[1] have revealed that despite the well known fact Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, young Australians in regional NSW are still putting themselves at risk.
In 2015, the highest rates of melanoma were recorded in the local health district of Northern NSW, followed closely by the Mid North Coast, Central Coast, Hunter New England and Nepean Blue Mountains. Demonstrating the importance of regional Australians taking preventive action against skin cancer, local government areas Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Wollongong, Newcastle, Tweed and Port Macquarie-Hastings recorded the highest number of regional melanoma cases, accounting for seven of the top ten local councils across the state.
The statistics confirm that complacency towards sun protection needs to be addressed. The facts are simple, stop sun damage – stop 95 per cent of melanomas. Yet two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
Inspiring young Australians to take action, Pretty Shady aims to make sun safety a lifestyle choice, something to talk about and share. Launched during National Skin Cancer Action Week, the campaign is a call to action for young Australians to get personally involved in saving lives through sun protection.
Professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, Hollywood actor Callan McAuliffe and “the fastest teen in the history of swimming”, Olympian Cameron McEvoy, have united to take the lead and encourage young Aussies to be the generation that stops skin cancer.
Whilst skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting young Australians, is it also one of the most preventable.
As current Australian 100m and 200m freestyle champion Cameron McEvoy explains it pays to take notice and look after yourself whenever you’re outdoors, in the water and out.
“A lot of the time people are told to put sunscreen on, to put a hat on, but it doesn’t resonate with them. They think skin cancer is something that will never touch their lives. The truth is, Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Aussies. That’s horrifying. Don’t be complacent about the stats. There’s so many ways to enjoy being outdoors while still being safe. The cost of not covering up is just too high.”
It’s a message that is starting to be heard by Gen Y, but needs to be louder.
The recent figures show that despite three quarters (75%) of those surveyed knowing they need to protect themselves from the sun, almost 40 per cent say they simply forget to and only one quarter (25%) reported regularly reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors.
While those surveyed who live in regional or rural areas of NSW were more likely than their urban counterparts to mention most, if not all of the sun protection practices, only half regularly cover up to protect themselves, one in five (20%) say they can’t be bothered to when in the sun and only half worry about developing skin cancer in the future. About one in ten people surveyed still don’t think that melanoma is a serious health problem.
With this in mind, Pretty Shady aims to inspire all young Australians, from bush towns and regional centres to urban and coastal communities, to be pro-active about sun protection, as even UV exposure from everyday activities can lead to skin cancer if you don’t protect yourself.
Professor David Currow, Cancer Institute NSW CEO and Chief Cancer Officer NSW, says now is the time for young Australians to take action.
“Young people are known to be the hardest to reach on the issue of protecting skin. Whilst we have seen significant improvements in young people’s knowledge about skin cancer and attitudes towards sun tanning over the past few years, we still have a way to go in terms of educating them about their risk, breaking down some of the barriers that are preventing them from adopting sun protection and motivating them to truly commit, take action and protect themselves.”
Sun safety doesn’t mean missing out on the fun of summer; it’s about having the best of both worlds without sacrificing your summer style. Protect yourself by chilling in the shade, applying sunscreen regularly and working hats, sunglasses and sun smart clothing in to your look. Young Australians can get on board and register by visiting www.prettyshady.com
We are Pretty Shady
Sally Fitzgibbons is an Australian professional surfer on the World Tour, style icon and household name. As an inspirational figure to young women all over the world, she knows that protecting your skin does not mean sacrificing time outdoors. Training all year round and catching waves across the globe, being in the sun is integral to her profession; which means hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are staple accessories.
“The Pretty Shady message is vital. It’s a great movement with a really serious message. To me it’s about taking a few steps so I can continue living a happy, healthy lifestyle. It’s great to be outdoors enjoying yourself and it’s so easy to do it in a safe way. Protect yourself, your friends and family and you can make a difference.”
“Training in and out of the water I get a lot of sun exposure, so I use a foundation zinc especially over any of my moles and birth marks. I make sure I reapply every 2 hours and I always have a hat and a sarong handy for when I come out of the water. Sarongs are great to throw over your shoulders at the beach.”
Callan McAuliffe is a rising star and 2016’s Actor to watch. At just 20 years old, Callan has had an impressive run, taking on the role of young Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and leading in the 2011 sci-fi flick I Am Number Four. Whilst Callan knows how to dominate the big screen, he understands the importance of sun safety on set and all year round.
“I’m conscious of sun exposure so I always wear hats and long sleeve shirts. Being an actor, you’re a liability so you need to ensure you don’t get burnt. Turning up sore, red and peeling – it’s no fun for anyone. It’s so simple to protect yourself.”
“I get it. Growing up I didn’t think sun protection was cool. But how cool would it be if we changed the stats, if we were the generation that stopped skin cancer. All it takes is a few steps.”
“What advice would I give to my friends and family on being Pretty Shady? I’m trying to think of something clever, but honestly it’s just not worth the risk. There’s no point in not protecting yourself. Do it now otherwise in a couple of years down the track, you’re going to deeply regret it. Don’t turn into that old guy sitting on the chair, having to go into the hospital constantly and telling his grandchildren ‘back when I was your age, I was always in the sun. And now I’ve got these skin cancer scars to show for it’.”
Cameron McEvoy is an Olympic Swimmer and the current Australian champion for the 100m and 200m freestyle. Heralded as “the fastest teen in the history of swimming”, he is the reigning silver medalist from the World Championships 100m freestyle and Australian favourite for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. A lover of surf, physics and fashion, Cameron is vigilant about protecting his skin. A tee, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items in his wardrobe.
“If Pretty Shady can make even a small difference in the lives of young Aussies, it will help spread the message of importance and awareness to one, two, three people, a family, a whole community. It will increase the quality of life for the whole of society.”
“Going down to the beach, you take your towel and sunscreen automatically. But it’s just as important to pack your hat, sunscreen and sunnies when you go to the park or to hang out at your mate’s backyard. It’s so easy to protect yourself, just be proactive about it.”
“A lot of the time people are told to put sunscreen on, to put hat on, but it doesn’t resonate with them. They think skin cancer is something that will never touch their lives. The truth is, Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Aussies. That’s horrifying. Don’t be complacent about the stats. There’s so many ways to enjoy being outdoors while still being safe. The cost of not covering up is just too high.”
Like it, share it and be part of the generation that stops skin cancer, one summer at a time.
To register your interest visit http://www.prettyshady.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/pretty_shady
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prettyshady
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeArePrettyShady
In 2015, the highest rates of melanoma were recorded in the local health district of Northern NSW, followed closely by the Mid North Coast, Central Coast, Hunter New England and Nepean Blue Mountains. Demonstrating the importance of regional Australians taking preventive action against skin cancer, local government areas Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Wollongong, Newcastle, Tweed and Port Macquarie-Hastings recorded the highest number of regional melanoma cases, accounting for seven of the top ten local councils across the state.
The statistics confirm that complacency towards sun protection needs to be addressed. The facts are simple, stop sun damage – stop 95 per cent of melanomas. Yet two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
Inspiring young Australians to take action, Pretty Shady aims to make sun safety a lifestyle choice, something to talk about and share. Launched during National Skin Cancer Action Week, the campaign is a call to action for young Australians to get personally involved in saving lives through sun protection.
Professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, Hollywood actor Callan McAuliffe and “the fastest teen in the history of swimming”, Olympian Cameron McEvoy, have united to take the lead and encourage young Aussies to be the generation that stops skin cancer.
Whilst skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting young Australians, is it also one of the most preventable.
As current Australian 100m and 200m freestyle champion Cameron McEvoy explains it pays to take notice and look after yourself whenever you’re outdoors, in the water and out.
“A lot of the time people are told to put sunscreen on, to put a hat on, but it doesn’t resonate with them. They think skin cancer is something that will never touch their lives. The truth is, Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Aussies. That’s horrifying. Don’t be complacent about the stats. There’s so many ways to enjoy being outdoors while still being safe. The cost of not covering up is just too high.”
It’s a message that is starting to be heard by Gen Y, but needs to be louder.
The recent figures show that despite three quarters (75%) of those surveyed knowing they need to protect themselves from the sun, almost 40 per cent say they simply forget to and only one quarter (25%) reported regularly reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors.
While those surveyed who live in regional or rural areas of NSW were more likely than their urban counterparts to mention most, if not all of the sun protection practices, only half regularly cover up to protect themselves, one in five (20%) say they can’t be bothered to when in the sun and only half worry about developing skin cancer in the future. About one in ten people surveyed still don’t think that melanoma is a serious health problem.
With this in mind, Pretty Shady aims to inspire all young Australians, from bush towns and regional centres to urban and coastal communities, to be pro-active about sun protection, as even UV exposure from everyday activities can lead to skin cancer if you don’t protect yourself.
Professor David Currow, Cancer Institute NSW CEO and Chief Cancer Officer NSW, says now is the time for young Australians to take action.
“Young people are known to be the hardest to reach on the issue of protecting skin. Whilst we have seen significant improvements in young people’s knowledge about skin cancer and attitudes towards sun tanning over the past few years, we still have a way to go in terms of educating them about their risk, breaking down some of the barriers that are preventing them from adopting sun protection and motivating them to truly commit, take action and protect themselves.”
Sun safety doesn’t mean missing out on the fun of summer; it’s about having the best of both worlds without sacrificing your summer style. Protect yourself by chilling in the shade, applying sunscreen regularly and working hats, sunglasses and sun smart clothing in to your look. Young Australians can get on board and register by visiting www.prettyshady.com
We are Pretty Shady
Sally Fitzgibbons is an Australian professional surfer on the World Tour, style icon and household name. As an inspirational figure to young women all over the world, she knows that protecting your skin does not mean sacrificing time outdoors. Training all year round and catching waves across the globe, being in the sun is integral to her profession; which means hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are staple accessories.
“The Pretty Shady message is vital. It’s a great movement with a really serious message. To me it’s about taking a few steps so I can continue living a happy, healthy lifestyle. It’s great to be outdoors enjoying yourself and it’s so easy to do it in a safe way. Protect yourself, your friends and family and you can make a difference.”
“Training in and out of the water I get a lot of sun exposure, so I use a foundation zinc especially over any of my moles and birth marks. I make sure I reapply every 2 hours and I always have a hat and a sarong handy for when I come out of the water. Sarongs are great to throw over your shoulders at the beach.”
Callan McAuliffe is a rising star and 2016’s Actor to watch. At just 20 years old, Callan has had an impressive run, taking on the role of young Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and leading in the 2011 sci-fi flick I Am Number Four. Whilst Callan knows how to dominate the big screen, he understands the importance of sun safety on set and all year round.
“I’m conscious of sun exposure so I always wear hats and long sleeve shirts. Being an actor, you’re a liability so you need to ensure you don’t get burnt. Turning up sore, red and peeling – it’s no fun for anyone. It’s so simple to protect yourself.”
“I get it. Growing up I didn’t think sun protection was cool. But how cool would it be if we changed the stats, if we were the generation that stopped skin cancer. All it takes is a few steps.”
“What advice would I give to my friends and family on being Pretty Shady? I’m trying to think of something clever, but honestly it’s just not worth the risk. There’s no point in not protecting yourself. Do it now otherwise in a couple of years down the track, you’re going to deeply regret it. Don’t turn into that old guy sitting on the chair, having to go into the hospital constantly and telling his grandchildren ‘back when I was your age, I was always in the sun. And now I’ve got these skin cancer scars to show for it’.”
Cameron McEvoy is an Olympic Swimmer and the current Australian champion for the 100m and 200m freestyle. Heralded as “the fastest teen in the history of swimming”, he is the reigning silver medalist from the World Championships 100m freestyle and Australian favourite for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. A lover of surf, physics and fashion, Cameron is vigilant about protecting his skin. A tee, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential items in his wardrobe.
“If Pretty Shady can make even a small difference in the lives of young Aussies, it will help spread the message of importance and awareness to one, two, three people, a family, a whole community. It will increase the quality of life for the whole of society.”
“Going down to the beach, you take your towel and sunscreen automatically. But it’s just as important to pack your hat, sunscreen and sunnies when you go to the park or to hang out at your mate’s backyard. It’s so easy to protect yourself, just be proactive about it.”
“A lot of the time people are told to put sunscreen on, to put hat on, but it doesn’t resonate with them. They think skin cancer is something that will never touch their lives. The truth is, Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Aussies. That’s horrifying. Don’t be complacent about the stats. There’s so many ways to enjoy being outdoors while still being safe. The cost of not covering up is just too high.”
Like it, share it and be part of the generation that stops skin cancer, one summer at a time.
To register your interest visit http://www.prettyshady.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/pretty_shady
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prettyshady
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeArePrettyShady
[1] Cancer Institute NSW Skin Cancer Online Tracking Survey 2015. The Skin Cancer Online Tracking survey was established by the Cancer Institute NSW in 2006/07, it is an online tracking survey conducted each year throughout late spring and summer targeting people in NSW. The sample size of the 2014/15 survey was 2,360 people.