- State Government funded Cancer Council campaign launched to prevent skin cancer
- Melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting Western Australians
- Campaign includes billboards in 16 prominent locations, including Yagan Square
A summer campaign by Cancer Council WA, funded by the Cook Government, is being rolled out in a bid to prevent Western Australians from developing skin cancer.
Western Australia has some of the harshest levels of ultraviolet radiation in the world, with melanoma being one of the most common cancers among Western Australians.
Two in three Australians develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Last year, 1,599 melanoma cases were detected in WA, and 145 deaths were recorded.
The 'If you could see UV' campaign reminds our community to protect themselves with five simple steps:
1. Slip on protective clothing;
2. Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen;
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat;
4. Seek shade; and
5. Slide on sunglasses
The sun sends out different types of radiation, including visible light that we see as sunlight, infrared radiation we feel as heat, and UV radiation that we cannot see or feel. Your skin cells remember all the UV exposure you receive.
This campaign replaces invisible ultraviolet radiation rays with images of dangerous arrows, displaying the important message UV rays can be lethal to your DNA. The campaign strategy includes billboards in 16 prominent locations around the Perth metropolitan area, such as Yagan Square and Wellington Street in Perth City, along with a custom-built bus shelter at Cottesloe Beach.
The second component is a widespread campaign on radio and audio platforms, through social media including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, and Google search and display.
The campaign will run until 28 February 2026 to coincide with the late spring and summer months, when UV radiation is most intense, and unprotected skin can be damaged quickly. The primary target group is Western Australians aged 18 to 45 years.
The SunSmart Global UV app gives you real-time UV alerts and personalised sun protection advice, helping Western Australians stay safe in the sun all year round.
Available for free from the App Store you can search any Western Australian suburb and the SunSmart Global UV app outlines the local UV index and suggested times to avoid the sun. UV index over three requires sun protection.
It forms part of the Cook Government's commitment to creating healthy communities and boosting the wellbeing of Western Australians.
The Cancer Council MyUV website provides a live update on the UV Forecast and SunSmart advice. www.myuv.com.au
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting Western Australians, and skin cancer remains largely preventable if we take the right precautions.
"We're asking Western Australians to take care of their skin this summer by following the five key steps of sun protection: slipping on protective clothing, slopping on sunscreen, slapping on a wide brimmed hat, seeking shade, and sliding on sunglasses.
"The Cook Government is encouraging Western Australians to live healthy, active lifestyles and to be SunSmart when UV is 3 or above, while participating in the great outdoor activities we all enjoy.
"The UV Index is a tool you can use to protect yourself from UV radiation. It indicates the times during the day that you need to cover up to prevent UV radiation from damaging your skin."
