Slip-Slop-Slap

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Slip-Slop-Slap is a health campaign in Australia designed to promote sun protection. It was launched by the Cancer Council Australia in the early 1980s to reduce the incidence of skin cancer among Australians. The campaign is one of the most successful public health campaigns in the country and has been credited with significantly increasing public awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

History

The Slip-Slop-Slap campaign was initiated in 1981 by the Cancer Council Victoria. The campaign's mascot, Sid the Seagull, encouraged people to "slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat" to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun. The campaign was later expanded to include "Seek" and "Slide," advising people to seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

Impact

The Slip-Slop-Slap campaign has had a profound impact on public health in Australia. Studies have shown a significant increase in the use of sun protection measures among Australians since the campaign's inception. The campaign has also been credited with a reduction in the incidence of skin cancer, particularly among younger Australians.

Components

The Slip-Slop-Slap message is simple and easy to remember:

• Slip on a shirt: Wearing protective clothing can help shield the skin from UV radiation.
• Slop on sunscreen: Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF can protect the skin from UV rays.
• Slap on a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection for the face, neck, and ears.

Expansion

In the 2000s, the campaign was expanded to include two additional components:

• Seek shade: Staying in the shade, especially during peak UV radiation times, can reduce exposure.
• Slide on sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses that meet Australian standards can protect the eyes from UV damage.

Legacy

The Slip-Slop-Slap campaign has been adapted and adopted by other countries with high rates of skin cancer, including New Zealand and Canada. The campaign remains a cornerstone of public health education in Australia and continues to evolve to address new challenges in sun protection.

See also

• Skin cancer
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Cancer Council Australia
• Public health campaigns in Australia