The Spot sends a message to Australians about skin cancer and melanoma

Bristol Myers Squibb is proud to have partnered with La Roche-Posay, Ogilvy and Sculpture by the Sea on The Spot to highlight to Australians that prevention and early disease detection is the best way to tackle skin cancer and melanoma.

The Spot sculpture grew over the duration of the Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi exhibition and, and at full size spans 20m, making it hard to miss. Next stop for The Spot was our nation’s capital, providing a talking point at Parliament House for the Parliamentary Friends of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Start of Summer BBQ, a gathering of parliamentarians and members of the melanoma and skin cancer community.

As we usher in summer, The Spot reminds us all to be safe in the sun, be aware of moles on our skin and speak to a healthcare professional if anything changes shape, colour or size.

Skin cancer – the facts:

• Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. 
• About 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
• The 3 main types of skin cancer are:
  • basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – about 2 out of 3 skin cancers
  • squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – about 1 in 3 skin cancers
  • melanoma – about 1 in 100 skin cancers.
• Over 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
• Across Australia, the UV levels can do damage to unprotected skin most of the year, not just in warmer months. Even when the UV levels are moderate they can still do damage. 
• UV radiation can’t be seen or felt. It isn’t related to the temperature or whether it’s sunny or cloudy. 
• UV radiation can cause sunburn; premature skin ageing; and damage to skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer.
• Anyone of any age can develop skin cancer but it becomes more common as you get older.

Source: Cancer Council NSW, 2024: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer