Join the fight and become a SunSmart ambassador
Today Cancer Council Victoria launched a statewide search for SunSmart ambassadors to come forward and shout out the Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! and Slide! message to their communities.
"We are asking Victorians who have been diagnosed with melanoma and other skin cancers to join the likes of Australian Cricketer, Michael Clarke, and spread the SunSmart message," said SunSmart Manager, Sue Heward.
"By sharing your personal experiences with your community, you can encourage everyone to use sun protection when the UV Index is 3 and above," she said.
More than 430,000 Australians get skin cancer each year and 1700 die from it. Even more frightening, at least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Whilst skin cancer is one of Australia's most expensive cancers it is also one of the most preventable.
"The good news is that we can all reduce our chances of developing skin cancer by being SunSmart. By seeking out local ambassadors within the community with inspirational stories, we can spread the SunSmart message and ensure that others protect themselves from having a similar experience," said Ms Heward.
Victorians of all ages and walks of life are invited to come forward with their stories and explain how their experiences changed their attitude towards the sun and affected their daily lives.
Submit stories no more than 250 words in length via email to cairin.conway@cancervic.org.au or via post, by addressing entries to Cairin Conway, Cancer Council Victoria, 100 Drummond Street, Carlton VIC 3053. Please also include your age, occupation and postcode with your entry.
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