On 27 August, our Cancer Education team hosted a health professional education event with 2024 Australians of the Year, Professors Georgina Long Richard Scolyer, along with local melanoma experts.
The evening discussed the latest advancements and exciting possibilities in melanoma treatment options, and the importance of skin cancer prevention through sun safety. They were joined by Cancer Council WA's Director of Cancer Prevention and Research, Melissa Ledger to talk about SunSmart WA. Ms Ledger highlighted Cancer Council WA's skin cancer prevention programs which have been active for over thirty years and have been shown to have a significant positive financial impact on the Western Australian community. Protecting the skin whenever the UV Index is three or above is proven to be the best way to prevent skin cancer.
This message was echoed by Professors Long and Scolyer, who talked about their goal to ultimately achieve zero deaths from melanoma. Professor Long emphasised that while treatment options have improved greatly, the most important part of getting to zero deaths from melanoma is through reducing the numbers of skin cancers in the first place. Melanoma is often called Australia's national cancer, because Australians have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. It is estimated that there were 18,257 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in 2023, and an estimated 1,314 deaths in the same year.
Sun safety is important for all Australians, especially young people, outdoor workers, and those who play sports. There was a great discussion during the panel about the importance of skin cancer prevention in sport particularly by wearing protective clothing. Professor Scolyer shared an anecdote about his partnership with Triathlon Australia, who made a successful submission to the international governing body for triathletes to change the uniform to be more sun protective. The uniform now has the option of sleeves which cover the shoulders, arms and back.
This educational evening highlighted that while treatment options have improved greatly, staying sun safe is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Protect yourself in five ways:
- Slip on sun protective clothing
- Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen
- Slap on a broad brimmed hat
- Seek shade, especially during peak UV hours
- Slide on sunglasses
Learn more about how to protect yourself here.
