It’s not every day you get to work alongside an Australian of the Year, but that’s exactly what Clout PR & Content has been doing in partnership with the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.
Unveiled as the College’s foundation ambassador, country music icon and 36 times Golden Guitar winner Lee Kernaghan Year is a long-time and passionate supporter of rural and regional Australia and has previously spearheaded campaigns encouraging Australians to be sun-smart.
Like many Australians, the ‘Boy from the Bush’ has had a number of skin cancer scares.
“Every day I sing about a sunburnt country, but Australia’s great outdoors can definitely take a toll on your skin,” Kernaghan said.
“I’ve learnt first-hand how important it is to get regular skin checks. Just recently I noticed what seemed to be a small pimple on my chin that kept reappearing.
“I got it checked out and it ended up being a Basal Cell Cancer that needed to be surgically removed before it turned into something more sinister.
“The only reason I acted reasonably fast was that a mate of mine at the gym had a similar mark near his lips that resulted in a fair amount of surgery to have his skin cancer removed.
“I’m honoured to be Skin Cancer College Australasia’s foundation ambassador. Together I’m confident we can educate Australians about the critical benefits of the early detection of skin cancers and the need to visit an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor for regular skin checks.”
Skin Cancer College Australasia CEO Lynette Hunt said Lee typifies the Australian spirit and has been part of the nation’s fabric for more than 25 years.
“Given his relationship with Australia and his own skin cancer experiences, there is no one better equipped to help educate the community about the need to be familiar with their own skin, the importance of self-monitoring for any changes and professional skin checks,” Ms Hunt said.
Every year in Australia skin cancers account for approximately 80 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers, with the majority of skin cancers caused by exposure to the sun*.
Australia and New Zealand have the highest Melanoma rates in the world. In Australia, Melanoma represents 2 per cent of all skin cancers but causes 75 per cent of skin cancer deaths, with one Australian dying every five hours from the disease**.
There are currently more than 500 Skin Cancer College Accredited Skin Cancer Doctors across Australia and New Zealand. To find your nearest doctor visit www.skincancercollege.org.
*Cancer Council Australia
**Melanoma Institute Australia