Victorians warned against deadly impact of tanning

A campaign urging Victorians to guard against the dangerous effects of excessive sun exposure will hit TV screens again this summer.

Minister for Health David Davis said the successful Dark Side of Tanning media campaign starts again today warning people on the dangers of tanning.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to reducing the burden of cancer on Victorian community by investing in vital skin cancer prevention programs,” Mr Davis said.

“That is why we delivered funding towards this effective campaign as part of our Skin Cancer Prevention Framework 2013-2017.”

Mr Davis said the Dark Side of Tanning media campaign, run by the Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart Program, will feature on television, radio and in print over the summer months, with the key message that ‘there is nothing healthy about a tan’.

“This campaign sends a clear message to Victorians that excessive exposure to the sun can be dangerous, unhealthy and potentially life-threatening,” Mr Davis said.

“There is no such thing as a safe tan – using shade, covering up with a hat, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirt and applying sunscreen is not only sensible, but can be a life-saver.”

Mr Davis said the goal of the Skin Cancer Prevention Framework 2013-2017 is to reduce the incidence and mortality of skin cancer in Victoria.

“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it is still the most common form of cancer in Victoria,” Mr Davis said.

“This Framework is the first of its kind for Victoria and outlines how we will co-ordinate an effective and sustainable approach for skin cancer prevention.”

In 2012, melanoma was the fifth most common new cancer in Victoria with 2261 people diagnosed with the disease. In 2012, 313 died from melanoma.