SUNSMART IN NEW ZEALAND

Background:

Over the previous two decades sun safety in New Zealand has been promoted by a variety of health organisations in a variety of ways.

SunSmart, as a sun-related behaviour message, was developed by the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, Australia, in the mid 1980's.

In November 1993 it was launched in New Zealand.

The promotion of sun safety in New Zealand is mainly by the Health Sponsorship Council, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and some Public Health Units.

SunSmart is the national brand for sun safety. Though it is trademarked to the Health Sponsorship Council it may be used by all sun safety promoters.

The aims of SunSmart promotion are to increase sun safety behaviours among New Zealanders, particularly those with fair skin, and therefore reducing skin cancer incidence and morbidity.

Where Does the Funding Come From?

SunSmart has two main sources of are funding. The Government funds the work of the Health Sponsorship Council and Public Health Units. The Cancer Society's funds are from donations and bequests.

The organisations involved in promoting SunSmart approach it in different ways. However, components include:

• Research
• Multi-media Communications Campaigns
• Sponsorships and key relationships eg. with MetService
• Community activities eg. SunSmart School Programmes

Being SunSmart in New Zealand is crucial. The unique environment makes the population particularly vulnerable to damaging ultraviolet rays. There are the clear skies and the closeness to the sun. Add to these the outdoor lifestyle of Kiwis, and some very fair skins, and you have facts like these:

• Skin cancer is the commonest cancer in this country.
• New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
• There are nearly 50,000 new skin cancers a year, including 1800 new cases of melanoma.
• There are about 260 deaths from skin cancer annually.