40 years of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’

National Skin Cancer Action Week (21-27 November) sees the Cancer Council remind Australians that skin cancer remains the most common cancer, the costliest cancer and one of the most preventable.

The iconic ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year, and free printable resources are available to download from the campaign website to mark National Skin Cancer Action Week.

In this year’s campaign, the Cancer Council says ‘the job’s not done until we’re all safe in the sun’, urging  all Australians to use the five forms of sun protection to help protect against skin cancer.   

 1.      Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible. 

2.      Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun. 

3.      Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears. 

4.      Seek shade. 

5.      Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.