“This is a simple thing anyone can do to show their support for a future without cancer,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive Cancer Council SA.

“It may be in memory of someone you have lost to cancer, in support of someone you know who is fighting cancer or just because you share a hope that one day together we will beat cancer.

“There is nothing more you have to do than simply wear something yellow – to work, at home, or at school.”

On World Cancer Day people from all over the world are encouraged to stop and think about how cancer has impacted their life and how as individuals we can take action every day to prevent our risk. 

This year’s theme is ‘together it is possible’ and on Friday Cancer Council SA will be announcing some great news that will demonstrate how South Australia is responding to this global challenge.

Every day Cancer Council SA works to reduce the impact of cancer on Australians through research, cancer prevention programs and the provision of professional support services like the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

“We don’t care how you do it, whether it’s your shoes, your socks or a full piece yellow suit – just wear it and post a photo on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/cancercouncilsa, says Professor Wilson.

Key cancer statistics in SA:

• Approximately 9,000 South Australians are diagnosed with cancer every year – that’s nearly 25 people a day.
• Every year, approximately 3,500 South Australians will lose their fight with cancer.
• The most common cancers found in South Australian males and females are prostate, breast, bowel, lung and melanoma.
• 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will experience cancer before the age of 85.
• Up to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable through living a healthy lifestyle which includes: regular screening; being SunSmart; not smoking; being physical active; eating a healthy and balanced diet; maintaining a healthy weight; and drinking less alcohol.

It’s no surprise that our happiness has a lot to do with the way we feel. So why is it our health often takes a back seat when we are feeling tired, stressed or run down?

“Kicking a bad habit like smoking for example will not only improve your health dramatically, but will also put money in your pocket to spend on things that will actually make a positive impact on your life, like a holiday or a gym membership,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive Cancer Council SA.

 “We know there are several lifestyle factors that increase our risk of developing cancer and other health problems in the future, so to give us the best possible chance in life we need to take action every day in our own lives, no matter how big or small, to look after our health.

“Reducing your alcohol consumption and doing regular exercise will also go a long way to improving your health as these factors play an important role in maintaining a healthy weight.

Latest Cancer Council SA survey results show that in 2010, less than one-quarter (24%) of South Australians met the recommended levels of physical activity needed for cancer prevention and approximately 56% reported being either overweight or obese.

“Making lifestyle changes like these can often have a ripple effect as it gives you the confidence that you can take control of your life and make choices for the better.

Dr Terry Evans, Manager of the Quitline is expecting to see a surge in calls following New Year’s Day as people begin to wind down from the party season.

“It may be the most common New Year’s resolution of all, but cutting down or quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your health and the health of those closest to you. It really should be right at the top of your priority list.”

“For those thinking about making 1 January 2012 their quit date, I would emphasise that it’s important to give it a go and never give up giving up”.

“The Quitline 13 7848 is an excellent source of professional help, support and information. Our counsellors can help you work through your quitting and increase your chances of success. Alternatively, you can register for Quit onQ, our text messaging support program. Just go to the Quit SA website, www.quitsa.org.au.

“At the Quitline we know that quitting smoking can be hard and that it may take several attempts before you quit for good but each year several thousand South Australians do successfully quit so you can too.

“Cutting down the number of cigarettes you smoke is a great strategy to get you moving in the right direction.”

Some general tips to help you quit smoking are:

• Know your triggers and think about how to manage them.
• Stay motivated and committed to quitting.
• Seek support from family, friends and the Quitline.

To cut your cancer risk, Cancer Council SA recommends:

• not smoking and avoiding second-hand tobacco smoke
• maintaining a healthy body weight - within a BMI range of 18.5 to 25, and have a waist measurement less than 80cm for women and less than 94cm for men.
• exercising moderately for 60 minutes or vigorously for 30 minutes, every day.
• having regular checkups and cancer screening tests for bowel, breast and cervix cancer
• being SunSmart – by making sure to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide when the UV alert is at three or above
• limiting or avoiding alcohol - to within Health Authority guidelines (no more than 2 standard drinks per day) OR avoiding alcohol altogether.

Today marks the start of Cancer Council SA’s annual summer campaign to remind us all of the dangers of tanning and being caught out unprotected in the sun.

Known as the Dark Side of Tanning, the campaign will appear on TV, outdoor advertising and social media; aiming to increase awareness of the dangers of melanoma and challenge the belief that a tan is healthy.

To support this year’s campaign, an exciting new SunSmart addition has been made right in the heart of local summer hotspot, Moseley Square, Glenelg.

South Australians and visitors alike will have access to Cancer Council’s very own ‘SunSmart tram stop’ that will have FREE sunscreen on tap and provide a stark reminder of the darker side of tanning.

“You cannot miss it, just look out for the big yellow umbrella!

“By stopping by and ‘slopping’ on some sunscreen you will be supporting the campaign and helping us to promote SunSmart behaviours; which also include wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses, ” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive Cancer Council SA.

 “Challenging beliefs and changing attitudes about sun tanning is crucial if we are to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in our state.

“Our latest survey results tell us that one-third of South Australians are still getting burnt at least once every summer, some up to four or more times!

“This is scary when you consider that 617 South Australians are already being diagnosed with melanoma every year.”

26 year old Donna Schwartz knows only too well about the consequences of buying into the notion that she needed a tan to look good for summer.

“I was regularly out in the sun growing up and remember tanning during summer because I thought it looked good and because all my friends were doing it.

“When I was diagnosed with an invasive malignant melanoma on my leg at age 22, my attitude towards tanning changed quickly!

“The scar on my leg after having the melanoma cut out and needing 42 stiches is a constant reminder of how dangerous the sun is and my need to always be vigilant.

“One positive from my skin cancer experience is that my friends are now a lot more SunSmart as a result. Being a young person that has had melanoma has enabled me to get the SunSmart message out to other young people.

“When I tell my story I think it really hits home that skin cancer is real and it can happen to anyone, particularly those that put themselves at risk by seeking a tan.”

This change in attitudes was reflected in the results of a recent national survey which found a 15% drop in the number of teens preferring a tan over their natural skin colour, indicating that the dangers of tanning were beginning to cut through.

NEW LOCAL STATS - 2010 SA sun protective behaviours survey (15yrs +):

• One third of South Australians reported getting sunburnt during the 2009/10 summer
• There are more South Australians wearing sunscreen than ever before, 60% usually or always wear sunscreen compared to only 55% in 2004.
• 50% of South Australians usually or always wear a hat when in the sun.
• Only one third of South Australians usually or always wear protective clothing
• Only 17% usually or always practice wearing a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing when in the sun.
• 49% of South Australians had not had their skin checked (either by a GP, themselves or someone else) in the previous 12 months
  Source: Cancer Council SA, 2011