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Under the Queensland Sun

Queensland records the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma remains the second most common cancer in both men and women.

In 2004:

• 2340[1] Queenslanders were diagnosed with melanoma (1306 men and 1034 women).
• 272 Queenslanders died from melanoma (193 men and 79 women).
• The lifetime risk of Queenslanders being diagnosed with melanoma was one in 22 (one in 19 for men and one in 25 for women).
• The lifetime risk of Queenslanders dying from melanoma was one in 222 (one in 152 for men and one in 414 for women).

Unlike most cancers, the causes of skin cancer are known and preventable.

The newly established Skin Cancer Prevention Working Group is a world first collaboration between key stakeholders and experts in the fields of skin cancer and skin cancer prevention. The group consists of 13 members including:

• Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and other government departments
• Cancer Council Queensland
• Queensland Health
• Queensland Institute of Medical Research
• Suncorp, and
• WorkCover Queensland.

The group has developed a five year plan for skin cancer prevention in Queensland, titled Under the Queensland Sun. This plan represents the latest cutting edge research and will lead to direct and significant outcomes for Queenslanders. The plan also builds on existing interventions for skin cancer prevention in Queensland. It is available at: www.health.qld.gov.au/qphf/documents/qld_sun_strat_plan.pdf (PDF, 435kB)

The Cancer Council Queensland has also developed a new DVD for outdoor workers, containing information on how to prevent skin cancer and detect it early. The DVD runs for 8 minutes and provides practical advice for skin protection. Contact the Cancer Council helpline on 13 11 20 or email helpline@cancerqld.org.au for your free copy of the DVD.

For more information on sun safety and heat stress including sun protection, employer responsibilities regarding sun exposure and sun safety measures visit our website at www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/sunsafety/index.htm or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.

Footnote 1: Queensland Cancer Registry. 2007. Cancer in Queensland 1982-1984. Queensland: The Cancer Council Queensland

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© The State of Queensland (Department of Justice and Attorney-General) 2009.

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