In a blow to seagull rights in Australia, Sid the Seagull the embodiment of sun protection and slip slap slop has been fired in the latest round of skin cancer awareness adverts from the Commonwealth Government. I wonder if he qualifies for the new Labor Governments Unfair Dismissal Laws?
With temperatures set to hit over 40 degrees again this week and extreme ultra violet ratings already in place for parts of Australia including Adelaide, shock adverts rather like the gruesome cigarette ones are planned.
Yesterday, the cartoon creature was replaced by gory, real-life footage of melanoma patients under the knife as health authorities ramped up their fight against skin cancer.
A new $11.5 million campaign, launched yesterday by federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon, features television, radio and print advertisements - this time targeting people aged 13 to 24.
The hard-hitting campaign warns too much sun is a killer, urging people to not just slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat, but also wear wrap-around sunglasses and shelter in the shade.
Over 1,600 Australians die every year from skin cancer, 380,000 Australians are getting a skin cancer removed each year, over one million GP visitations [are caused by skin cancer] each year."
Mr Sinclair said the incidence of skin cancers in Australia were sky-rocketing, costing the health system more than $300 million a year.
He blamed an "explosion of solariums," European fashion trends and teenage rebellion for breaking down the sun smart message but said skin cancer campaigns saved lives.
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world and it is the most common cancer in 15 to 24-year-olds.
I know at least two people about my age who are having skin cancers dug out from their bodies on a regular basis after a youth of unprotected fun in the sun. It is a very real issue. We are very careful with the kids, especially now that we have a pool. Nothing I even thought about as a kid growing up in cold and wet Scotland. I can hardly even remember sunbathing.
