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Cancer Council Queensland awards SunSmart schools & services
Cancer Council Queensland awards SunSmart schools & services
As Term 4 kicks off around the state, Cancer Council Queensland is calling on primary schools and early childhood services to join the biggest sun protection program in Australia.
Along with being recognised as a SunSmart school or service, those who join the FREE National SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program in October have the chance to win a carton of 30+ sunscreen!
In Australia, two in three people will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Cancer Council Queensland recognises SunSmart environments and behaviours at schools and early childhood centres, particularly during peak ultraviolet radiation times (10am to 3pm), are essential.
Primary schools, early childhood centres, outside school hours care facilities, family day care schemes and PCYC childcare services across the state are invited to join the free National program by completing a simple online questionnaire and submitting a copy of their sun protection policy to Cancer Council Queensland for assessment.
Public Health and SunSmart Coordinator at Cancer Council Queensland, Susan Lingard, says it’s easy for schools and services to register with the National SunSmart Program, which will assist in keeping their SunSmart policies up to date.
“We are excited to welcome more schools and services to the national program in time for summer, and to award them with SunSmart status!” Ms Lingard said.
“Those that apply will receive the iconic SunSmart metal sign, a SunSmart certificate, access to free resources, SunSmart Shop discounts and much more – not to mention the knowledge that their SunSmart policy will help reduce the risk of skin cancer in Queenslanders.”
Those wanting to join the National SunSmart program can access the online form here. Schools and services must enter before the end of October 2012 to go in the draw for the carton of 30+ sunscreen, which will be awarded in November.
Schools and services requiring assistance in developing a SunSmart Policy can access Cancer Council Queensland’s SunSmart Policy Guidelines here or by calling the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Cancer Council Queensland is also encouraging the community to host a SunSmart Party this summer to raise vital funds and help support the two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Register your party now at the SunSmart Party website.
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Media Manager, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
Email: katieclift@cancerqld.org.au
