Key messages for local councils

It is important to define key messages early in the planning process and to make sure these are repeated often in written materials and spoken comments.

Skin cancer key messages

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting New Zealanders.
• Each year in New Zealand, a conservative estimate is that there are 60,000 or more new cases of skin cancer.
• More than 300 New Zealanders die from the disease each year.
• Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma death rates in the world. In 2005, there were 2,017 recorded cases of melanoma (the most recent data available).
• Most skin cancer is preventable – people just need the best possible opportunities to learn about and practice sun protective behaviours.

Why support a sun protection policy?

• A sun protection policy will help create a healthy community by providing the best opportunities for people to be SunSmart.
• Council is acting on its responsibility to provide a safe public environment.
• There is growing public support for sun protection as people are becoming more aware of the dangers of excessive and harmful patterns of UV radiation exposure.
• Sun protection practices will have an impact on the future health of people of the district/city.

Support messages for council sun protection policies

• The council is progressive, responding to health risks and assisting in long-term health benefits.
• The council is investing in sun protection measures to save both human suffering and health expenditure.
• Appropriate sun protection practices will not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
• Many places around New Zealand and the world have implemented successful sun protection policies.
• Shade audits result in cost-effective shade solutions.
• Appropriate sun protection will increase people’s enjoyment of outdoor spaces and can increase usage.