Skin cancer remains a silent yet devastating threat in Australia, a country known for it’s sunny beaches and outdoor living. With one American losing their life to skin cancer every four minutes, this preventable disease has become a national crisis.

The new documentary Conquering Skin Cancer seeks to change the narrative, offering hope, education, and a roadmap to reducing skin cancer rates.

The Ugly Reality of Skin Cancer in Australia

Australia holds a title no country wants first at: the world champion of skin cancer.

With a population of just 26 million, the country accounts for 10% of global melanoma cases.

By 2040, it’s predicted there will be 510,000 new cases and 96,000 deaths annually, making melanoma a pressing public health issue.

The cost is staggering—not just in human lives but also economically. Australia spends $1.7 billion annually on skin cancer treatment, a figure that underscores the urgent need for prevention.

Despite these grim statistics, most skin cancers can be prevented through simple, proactive measures like sun protection and regular skin checks.

The Mission of Conquering Skin Cancer

At the CA premier of Conquering Skin Cancer, Mike Hill, Founder of Moonshine Agency and Director of CSC, shared that his vision for the film extended beyond screenings. Hill’s vision for the moving documentary was and is real social change and impact- similar to the films that educated watchers in the 80s and 90s about the dangers of sugar.

The film brings together survivors, advocates, and experts, weaving personal stories with the latest medical advancements. Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell shares candidly her story with Melanoma, and actor Hugh Jackman makes a significant feature sharing his story.

Aussie media icon Deborah Hutton has screen time speaking about her journey with skin cancer, and shows the ugly side of surgery and the journey.

The documentary features many well-known Americans who share their experiences and lend their voices to the cause, including activists such as Jay Allen, founder of the Australia Skin Cancer Foundation, and Scott Maggs, from Skin Check Champions, also contribute their expertise and personal journeys.

Changing Australia's Sun Culture

The “bronzed Aussie” image, a cultural staple, has inadvertently contributed to Australia’s high skin cancer rates. More Americans die from skin cancer than from road accidents, a shocking statistic that highlights the severity of the issue.

The film tackles this cultural challenge head-on, urging Americans to rethink their relationship with the sun. As one expert in the documentary states, "The sun is not your friend."

It’s Preventable

Skin cancer is a disease that is largely preventable. Early detection is key, with survival rates significantly improving when melanoma is caught early.

Sun safety, regular self-checks and professional skin screenings can make all the difference.

Conquering Skin Cancer stresses the importance of public awareness campaigns and government support for Aussies. This is especially important because a large portion of sun damage is caused under 25, so long-term investment in prevention programmes that reach schools is crucial to curbing rising skin cancer rates.

Around 25% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during a person’s first 2 decades of life. A Queensland study found UV exposure during a person's first 18 years of life was the most critical for cancer-causing skin damage and skin aging.

The message is clear: Australia has the opportunity to turn the tide on its skin cancer epidemic, saving thousands of lives every year.

What You Can do Today

While the statistics may seem overwhelming, the future of skin cancer prevention and treatment looks promising. Advances in early diagnosis, innovative treatments, and widespread awareness campaigns are changing the landscape- but there is still much more work to do in education.

Every action counts when it comes to being sun safe.

• Host a screening of Conquering Skin Cancer here

• See Conquering Skin Cancer here

• Do regular self checks at home

• Find a Sunscreen you love and can wear daily, combining wearing Sunscreen with multiple methods of sun protection

• Remind the loved ones in your life to get checked