Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, it’s even referred to as our national cancer. Each year in Australia, over 440,000 people are treated for skin cancer and unfortunately more than 2,000 people die from skin cancer. Proper sun protection is crucial, this is why Cancer Council recommends people to protect themselves in five simple ways.
Protect yourself in five ways
 |
SLIPClothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin. |
 |
SLOPA SPF50 or higher broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen will create a barrier between UV and your skin. |
 |
SLAPSunSmart hats protect your face, ears and neck, the most common spots for skin cancer. |
 |
SEEKFind shade whenever you can. Shade alone can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%. |
 |
SLIDESunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067 and fit your face reduce UV exposure to your eyes. |
About the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign
One of the most successful health campaigns in Australia’s history was launched by Cancer Council in 1981. Sid the seagull, wearing board shorts, a T-shirt and a hat, tap-danced his way across TV screens singing a catchy jingle to remind us of three easy ways of protecting against skin cancer.
Slip, Slop, Slap! It sounds like a breeze when you say it like that. Slip, Slop, Slap! In the sun we always say “Slip Slop Slap!” Slip, Slop, Slap! Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat, Slip, Slop, Slap! You can stop skin cancer – say: “Slip, Slop, Slap!”
Slip! Slop! Slap! – The Original Sid the Seagull video
The Slip, Slop, Slap slogan has become institutionalised as the core message of Cancer Council’s SunSmart program. The campaign is widely credited as playing a key role in the dramatic shift in sun protection attitudes and behaviour over the past two decades. In 2007, the slogan was updated to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide to reflect the importance of seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses to prevent sun damage.