Ongerup Sporting Complex Wins New Weapon for Skin Cancer Battle

March 23rd, 2011

Ongerup Sporting Complex is among 20 lucky organisations in Western Australia to win some extra armoury in the fight against skin cancer.

The organisation has been awarded a large $4000 shade tent and a year's supply of free sunscreen through the Suncorp Bank Shade Tent Giveaway competition.

Suncorp Bank State Manager Agribusiness Gerard Leddin said the much needed prize would provide valuable protection for the community.

"The complex runs various sporting matches for the town's 200 residents and they plan to use the shade tent for each of these throughout the year," Mr Leddin said.

"The local farming community has had a very dry season and there's little money available for sporting equipment so we're pleased to support the complex and help them protect club members from the sun's deadly rays."

"Through the Suncorp Bank Shade Tent Giveaway, the Ongerup Sporting Complex now has a portable shade structure and sunscreen they can take with them wherever they go."

This year's Suncorp SunWise Summer Survey* revealed 80% of residents in the Great Southern region believed they didn't have adequate shade at their local sportsground.

The Survey also found 35% of residents in the Great Southern region never or hardly ever wore a hat when they went outside and 41% of residents did not bother to apply sunscreen if they were heading outdoors and planned to be in the shade.

Mr Leddin said wearing a hat was vital and while seeking shade was a good start, it was still important to protect your skin in other ways.

"Even if you're standing in the shade, your skin may be exposed to reflective light causing it to burn," he said.

"The majority of skin cancers are preventable which is why it's so important to wear a hat, protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses every time you head outdoors. In summer, it may only take six minutes to burn."

Director of the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research Professor Peter Klinken said skin cancer was still claiming far too many lives in Western Australia.

"About 130** people in Western Australia are killed each year by melanoma so when it comes to sun protection there is no room for complacency," Professor Klinken said.

"While researchers continue to try to find a cure for this terrible disease, it's important Western Australians make every effort to protect themselves from the sun's deadly rays."

* The SunWise Summer Survey was conducted by Pure Profile.

** Western Australian Cancer Registry (Department of Health WA) www.health.wa.gov.au/wacr/.

For more information please contact:
Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377
Email: carolyn.monaghan@waimr.uwa.edu.au