For many Australians, the phrase “Slip, Slop, Slap” is as familiar as Vegemite on toast. The campaign, launched by the Cancer Council in 1981, introduced Sid the seagull to remind Australians of three simple steps to prevent skin cancer: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat. But 43 years on, it’s clear the message has faded.
Skin cancer remains the world’s most common—and most preventable—cancer. Yet every four minutes, another person dies from it globally.
Alarming Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
Despite decades of awareness campaigns, skin cancer continues to wreak havoc, particularly in Australia, where the risk of developing it is among the highest in the world. The Cancer Council estimates that two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. For melanoma, the deadliest form, the numbers are even more striking: one in 20 Australian men and one in 30 women will develop the disease by age 75.
Global projections from the World Health Organization (WHO) predict a 68% increase in melanoma deaths by 2040, an alarming statistic that underlines the urgency of tackling this preventable crisis.
The Soaring Cost of Skin Cancer
Beyond the personal toll, the economic burden is staggering. Australia spends approximately $1.7 billion annually on skin cancer treatment, a figure that is only expected to grow. The Melanoma Institute highlights this escalating cost as a critical reason for renewed efforts to prevent the disease.
A Personal Mission: The Story Behind Conquering Skin Cancer
In the face of these sobering numbers, filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins have turned their lens toward a solution. Their documentary, Conquering Skin Cancer, is the second installment in the Conquering Cancer Campaign series. The series focuses on inspiring stories about overcoming cancer, with previous films addressing cervical and breast cancer.
For Mike Hill, the issue is personal. Skin cancer runs in his family, placing him at higher risk. His father, Professor David Hill, was instrumental in the original Slip, Slop, Slap campaign during his tenure as CEO of Cancer Council Victoria. Despite growing up in a household steeped in sun safety, Hill himself hasn’t escaped the threat of skin cancer.
“As a fair-skinned person who loves the great outdoors, I’ve learned that I’m a sitting duck,” he says.
Familiar Faces Advocate for Change
The documentary features prominent Australians, including media personality Deborah Hutton, Olympian Cate Campbell, and Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, who were jointly named 2024 Australians of the Year. These individuals share their personal experiences with skin cancer, adding weight to the film’s urgent message.
For Hutton, who has undergone two major skin cancer surgeries, the issue is deeply personal. She stresses the importance of regular skin checks, a habit that many Australians neglect.
“I’m gobsmacked that I’m still meeting women in their forties and fifties who have never had a skin check,” Hutton says. “You could lose an ear, your nose, an eye. Left undetected, you could be in serious, serious trouble.”
Preventing Skin Cancer: A Renewed Focus
Despite the advancements in early detection and treatment, prevention remains the most effective strategy against skin cancer. Experts emphasize simple measures, such as:
- Wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
- Using protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
- Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours.
- Regular skin checks, either self-administered or with a professional.
The documentary and renewed campaigns aim to reignite these habits, particularly among younger Australians who may not have grown up with Sid the seagull as a household name.
Climate Change and Skin Cancer: A Growing Threat
Rising global temperatures and the thinning ozone layer have exacerbated the risk of UV radiation exposure. The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, known as the Black Summer, highlighted how environmental crises directly impact public health, including skin cancer rates.
The connection between climate change and health outcomes is undeniable, prompting calls for a national strategy to address both. Public health initiatives, such as improving outdoor infrastructure with shaded areas and ensuring sunscreen accessibility in public spaces, are increasingly seen as critical.
Bridging Awareness and Action
While awareness campaigns like Slip, Slop, Slap are a good start, bridging the gap between knowledge and action remains a challenge. Deborah Hutton’s anecdote about women neglecting skin checks underscores a broader issue: complacency.
Experts argue that making prevention more accessible and less stigmatized is key. Community initiatives, such as free skin cancer clinics and educational programs in schools, can make a significant impact.
A Call to Action
The numbers are clear: skin cancer is an epidemic, but it doesn’t have to be. With renewed efforts in prevention, early detection, and education, Australia can turn the tide on this preventable disease. The release of Conquering Skin Cancer is a timely reminder of what’s at stake—and what can be achieved through collective action. As Deborah Hutton succinctly puts it, “Don’t put off your next skin cancer check. It could save your life.”
