Farmers' campaign
Protect your farm's most important asset. You.
If you're a farmer or work outdoors you have a higher than average risk of developing skin cancer.
SunSmart is targeting farmers and rural outdoor workers this March and April as part of a campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and early detection.
The Protect your farm's most important asset. You. campaign aims to work with farmers and rural outdoor workers to:
- improve their awareness of the seriousness of skin cancer and their increased risk
- increase the use of a combination of sun protection measures
- look for signs of skin cancer and visit their GP if they have concerns.
Prevention is better than cure
Sun protection is required in Victoria from September to April, when UV levels are at 3 and above for most of the day.
From May to August when UV levels are generally below 3, SunSmart recommends that sun protection is not required unless people are in alpine regions, near highly reflective surfaces, such as snow, or outside for extended periods of time. Particularly for farmers and outdoor workers in the north of Victoria, this means that sun protection may still be required during May to August, depending on the individual circumstances.
Most skin cancers can be prevented by using a combination of five sun protection measures whenever UV levels reach 3 or above: slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF 30 + sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
Early detection of skin cancer still remains important as skin cancer can often be successfully treated if detected early.
Les's story
The campaign features Les, a Victorian farmer who knows the effects of skin cancer all too well – it cost him his farm and his life's work on the land.
At age 58, and just six months after his brother's death from skin cancer, Les noticed a tiny lump on his forehead. His GP referred him to a dermatologist who lasered his forehead and face, and at the same time, removed the lump. Tests showed the lump was a merkel cell carcinoma, which is a serious form of skin cancer.
'If I hadn't gone to my GP as soon as I found the lump, I probably wouldn't be here to tell my story today,' he said.
'It's so easy to prevent skin cancer, and because we spend so much time outdoors, farmers really should make the effort to protect themselves. Take it from me, don't risk losing your farm.'
Download the campaign brochure and campaign Print advertisement here.
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