Conquering skin cancer: for everybody under the sun
Given that horticulture is an industry where many people work outdoors, the documentary, Conquering Skin Cancer, which launches during National Skin Cancer Awareness Week, should be on the top of our to-do lists. It is not your average documentary; it’s a compelling social impact film with a mission to prevent skin cancer.
Australians have changed the world. We’ve invented polymer bank notes, the electronic pacemaker, the Hills hoist and the black box flight recorder. And now Australia is number one for skin cancer. Perhaps we didn’t invent it, but it’s becoming the cancer Australia is world-famous for. And yet many Australians still don’t understand the danger of excess UV exposure.
Sadly, the “bronzed Aussie” image has led to more skin cancer deaths than road fatalities. Today, two in every three Australians will get a skin cancer in their lifetimes (Cancer Council). The World Health Organisation predicts a staggering 68% increase in melanoma deaths by 2040. But this is not set in stone, and although Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, 98% of skin cancers can be prevented (Cancer Council).
The film calls for action for an unprecedented push in prevention, greater access to life-saving care, and crucial investments in cutting-edge treatments and research.
It features prominent and beloved voices, and skin cancer survivors including Olympian Cate Campbell, media icon Deborah Hutton, World Champion Surfer Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, and 2024 Australians of the Year Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long.
The film also spotlights amazing activists such as Jay Allen (Australia Skin Cancer Foundation), Tamara Dawson (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network), Scott Maggs (Skin Check Champions), and Anne Gately (Author of “Sunburnt”), who candidly share their inspirational stories in the pursuit of positive change.
Weaving together compelling and emotional stories from survivors, advocates, and world-leading experts, Conquering Skin Cancer delves into how every body can live safely under the sun. Conquering Skin Cancer explores our complex relationship with the sun, from self-image and survival to beauty trends and climate change.
Leading peak bodies, including the Cancer Council and the Australasian College of Dermatologists, along with aligned project partners, including Premiere Presenting Sponsor and leading dermo-cosmetics brand Eau Thermale Avène, are pleased to announce the national release of Conquering Skin Cancer, a definitive, new feature film about reframing our relationship with the sun.
Official launch date: 20 November 2024 (First Day of National Skin Cancer Awareness Week 2024)
Opens in cinemas from 4 December with Event Cinemas (NSW, QLD, WA, SA), Village Cinemas (VIC, TAS) and independent regional cinemas around the country.
For screening dates and more information:
https://conqueringcancercampaign.com/conquering-skin-cancer/