TAL and Cancer Council have announced a new partnership focused on helping Australians, particularly younger people, understand the dangers of ultraviolet radiation, and take simple actions to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
The insurer says that skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer and one of the most preventable.
“But reaching people early is critical. Cancer Council research shows childhood and adolescence are key periods when UV exposure is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life, with a significant proportion of lifetime UV exposure occurring in childhood and adolescence (before age 20).”
It says that by combining Cancer Council’s evidence-based prevention expertise with TAL’s national reach, the partners will focus on encouraging Australians to make sun protection part of their everyday routine.
Naomi Watson, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Cancer Council NSW, said the partnership would help extend skin cancer prevention messages to new audiences at a critical time in life.
…Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around 48 people diagnosed with melanoma every day…
“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around 48 people diagnosed with melanoma every day, but it is also one of our most preventable cancers. The earlier people understand UV risk and build sun safe behaviours into their daily routines, the greater the opportunity to reduce their future risk. Through this partnership with TAL, we can reach more Australians and encourage practical action.”
Dr Priya Chagan, General Manager Health Services at TAL, said the partnership reflects TAL’s commitment to working with experts on preventative health and helping Australians take action before illness occurs.
“At TAL, we see the impact cancer can have on people’s lives, families and ability to work. This partnership is about helping Australians learn about risks, and take small, preventative actions that can make a meaningful difference over a lifetime.”
The first phase will build on TAL’s national skin safety awareness program and Cancer Council’s prevention resources to deliver a youth-focused sun safety campaign scheduled to launch across media and social channels in November.
TAL’s skin safety program research shows prevention messages must be practical and behaviour-led.
“While 89% of Australians are aware of the damage UV radiation can do, 43% rarely or never check the UV index and 62% do not know how to. TAL’s research also found 70% of Australians change their sun protection habits based on the weather, despite UV radiation being high even on cool or cloudy days.”
The campaign will focus on simple, repeatable behaviours that can reduce risk over time…
With this in mind, the campaign will focus on simple, repeatable behaviours that can reduce risk over time: checking the UV index daily, and using a combination of sun protection measures like high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and seeking shade where possible, when UV levels are 3 or above.
It will also draw on research, including a clinical trial evaluating wearable UV sensors and personalised SMS reminders to improve sun-safe behaviour, and the Roadmap for a National Targeted Melanoma Screening Program.
TAL says that over time, the partnership will build on this prevention focus through co-created resources, customer engagement initiatives and ongoing collaboration that helps people better understand and reduce their risk.
The partnership forms part of TAL’s Health for Life preventative health program.
