SunSmart is urging residents in Greater Bendigo to remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide as the UV levels begin to rise across the state and sun protection season begins.
The plea is backed by the latest Victorian Population Health Survey (VPHS) 2023, which found around one third (30%) of adults in Greater Bendigo had a sunburn that lasted a day or more in the year before the survey.
Yet people in the region need to step up their sun protection habits to prevent UV damage and skin cancer, with data also showing that around half (49%) of adults in Greater Bendigo sometimes, rarely or never wore a hat, while 47% sometimes, rarely or never wore sunscreen when outside for 15 minutes or more during summer.
Head of SunSmart, Emma Glassenbury, says people may be surprised to learn Victoria’s sun protection season goes from mid-August to April, and sun protection is required whenever the UV is 3 or above to reduce skin damage and lower skin cancer risk.
“While acknowledging that Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, and particularly so in regional areas, we can’t forget that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers – and that sun protection is our best defense.”
“This data shows that there is room for people in Greater Bendigo to increase their use of all five forms of sun protection to prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.”
The VPHS survey found there’s room for residents to improve other sun protection habits, with only 38% of residents saying they sometimes, rarely or never wore sun protective clothing, 36% sometimes, rarely or never wore sunglasses, and 41% sometimes, rarely or never sought shade.
“We want to see all Greater Bendigo residents enjoying the area’s beautiful outdoors but also making sun protection part of daily routine. When the UV is 3 or above wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing, and sunglasses, apply SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen, and seek out shade,” said Ms Glassenbury.
Regional communities are a focus for SunSmart in Victoria, with regional Victorians more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than people in major cities. As part of this work, SunSmart will be attending Elmore Field Days from 7–9 October.
“Between work and leisure, residents in the Greater Bendigo region are more likely to live an outdoor lifestyle. We can’t wait to connect with locals at Elmore Field Days and share simple ways to stay safe in the sun and tips to find skin cancers early, ultimately saving lives,” Ms Glassenbury concluded.
Visitors to Elmore Field Days can stop by the SunSmart stall to speak with an educator and access free resources on skin cancer prevention and early detection.
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About SunSmart:
The SunSmart program is delivered in partnership with VicHealth and Cancer Council Victoria. SunSmart is one of the longest running and most successful skin cancer prevention and early detection programs in the world. The program is dedicated to reducing skin cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality.
About the Victorian Population Health Survey
The Victorian Population Health Survey (VPHS) is an annual assessment of the health and wellbeing of adults in Victoria and a key component of population health surveillance. The survey was first undertaken in 2001 by the Victorian Department of Health. In 2023, the VPHS was conducted at the LGA level, with a sample of 33,839 adult respondents and included questions on sunburn, sun protection and skin cancer early detection behaviours
Reference
Department of Health. Victorian Population Health Survey 2023. [cited 2025 1 October]; Available from: https://vahi.vic.gov.au/reports/victorian-population-health-survey-2023