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Great Southern regional cancer prevention co-ordinator Bruce Beamish is urging building companies and other businesses whose workers ply their trades outdoors to watch the documentary Conquering Skin Cancer, which is being screened at Albany Town Hall on October 29. The film, which has a contribution from actor Hugh Jackman, is a powerful call to action which explores the collective effort to tackle skin cancer which cost WA more than $200 million in diagnosis and treatment in 2021-21. Mr Beamish said anyone who worked or spent time in the sun should see the film, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session with panellists Dr John Rowlands, Albany deputy mayor Paul Terry — a melanoma survivor — and Cancer Council WA SunSmart manager Sally Blane. “The City of Albany awarded us a small grant to put this on and we would like as many people as possible to see it because education and knowledge can make a considerable difference in the community,” Mr Beamish said. “Building companies, schools and anyone who works outside should see this because there is a danger from skin cancer. “The documentary is a positive film, and we know that something like 95 per cent of skin cancers are preventable. “We want people to look at themselves and their workmates and urge them to be sun smart because it costs squillions to address skin cancer in WA and Australia as a whole.” Ms Blane said Australia needed to change its relationship with the sun. “Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime, yet it is highly preventable by using sun protection,” she said. “We sincerely hope this documentary highlights the WA Government’s current commitment to preventing skin cancer — including a Statewide skin cancer prevention strategy — is essential to address our ‘national’ cancer.” The film starts at 6.30pm on October 29 and admission is free. Seats can be reserved by calling 08 6389 7853.
