Sun Safe Habits Last a Lifetime Theme Launched
Cancer Council Australia uses its 2026 skin cancer awareness theme to focus on families building sun protection habits early.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Cancer
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Do you and your family use all five sun protection steps when UV is three or above?
Cancer Council Australia unveiled 'Sun safe habits last a lifetime' as the theme for National Skin Cancer Action Week, held 15-22 November 2026. The campaign marks 45 years of Slip! Slop! Slap! and introduces Little Sid Seagull to carry the sun safety message to a new generation.
Why it matters
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer in their lifetime, and UV exposure from the sun is the main cause. Half of lifetime UV exposure occurs before age 20, making early habits especially important for Australian families.
A national survey found four in five Australians agree Sid Seagull has nostalgic appeal, and nearly three-quarters say Sid campaigns make them more likely to use sun protection. Melanoma rates have declined among men and women under 40, though non-melanoma diagnoses exceed all other cancers combined.
The players
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation that runs cancer prevention and research programmes, including the Slip! Slop! Slap! sun safety campaign.
Little Sid Seagull
Little Sid Seagull is the youthful mascot introduced by Cancer Council Australia to extend the sun safety campaign founded around the original Sid Seagull character.
The details
The 2026 theme focuses on families establishing sun protection habits, with parents and carers leading by example. Limited-edition 10-cm Little Sid Seagull plushies are available through Cancer Council Australia giveaways throughout November.
Timeline
The Slip! Slop! Slap! campaign was first introduced in 1981.
Throughout November 2026, plushie giveaways run through Cancer Council Australia.
National Skin Cancer Action Week runs 15-22 November 2026.
Health Landscape
The 2026 campaign extends the Slip! Slop! Slap! sun safety message that began in 1981, now carried by a new mascot for younger audiences. It reflects Australia's long-standing public health approach of building sun protection into everyday family routines.
Parents and carers can start sun protection habits early by using SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen and wearing hats, since children are three times more likely to wear a hat when parents do. Building these routines during childhood supports lifelong skin health.
The takeaway
Sun safe habits formed in childhood tend to last a lifetime, and parents set the example. Using SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen and a hat each day is a simple way to start.
Further reading
Explore more on Cancer prevention and awareness across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by B&T.
Live Poll
Do you and your family use all five sun protection steps when UV is three or above?
