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TAL and Cancer Council join forces to help Australians prevent skin cancer

TAL

Cancer Council and TAL have announced a new partnership focused on helping Australians, particularly younger people, understand the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and take simple actions to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer and one of the most preventable. But reaching people early is critical. Cancer Council research shows childhood and adolescence are key periods when UV exposure is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life, with a significant proportion of lifetime UV exposure occurring in childhood and adolescence (before age 20).

By combining Cancer Council’s evidence-based prevention expertise with TAL’s national reach, the partners will focus on encouraging Australians to make sun protection part of their everyday routine.

Naomi Watson, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Cancer Council NSW, said the partnership would help extend skin cancer prevention messages to new audiences at a critical time in life.

"Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with around 48 people diagnosed with melanoma every day, but it is also one of our most preventable cancers. The earlier people understand UV risk and build sun safe behaviours into their daily routines, the greater the opportunity to reduce their future risk. Through this partnership with TAL, we can reach more Australians with and encourage practical action."

Dr Priya Chagan, General Manager Health Services at TAL, said the partnership reflects TAL’s commitment to working with experts on preventative health and helping Australians take action before illness occurs.

"At TAL, we see the impact cancer can have on people’s lives, families and ability to work. This partnership is about helping Australians learn about risks, and take small, preventative actions that can make a meaningful difference over a lifetime.”

"Skin safety is one of the clearest examples of prevention in action. We know many Australians understand UV radiation can cause damage to skin, but that awareness does not always translate into action. By working with Cancer Council, we can help make skin safety easier to understand and easier to act on, building habits - especially for young people - that can protect their future health."

The first phase will build on TAL’s national skin safety awareness program and Cancer Council’s trusted prevention resources to deliver a youth-focused sun safety campaign scheduled to launch across media and social channels in November.

TAL’s skin safety program research shows prevention messages must be practical and behaviour-led. While 89% of Australians are aware of the damage UV radiation can do, 43% rarely or never check the UV index and 62% do not know how to. TAL’s research also found 70% of Australians change their sun protection habits based on the weather, despite UV radiation being high even on cool or cloudy days.

With this in mind, the campaign will focus on simple, repeatable behaviours that can reduce risk over time: checking the UV index daily, and using a combination of sun protection measures like using high-SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and seeking shade where possible, when UV levels are 3 or above.

It will also draw on research from the Daffodil Centre, a partnership between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, including the SunWise Study, a clinical trial evaluating wearable UV sensors and personalised SMS reminders to improve sun-safe behaviour, and the Roadmap for a National Targeted Melanoma Screening Program, developed with Melanoma Institute Australia to guide a future risk-based approach to melanoma screening in Australia.

Over time, the partnership will build on this prevention focus through co-created resources, customer engagement initiatives and ongoing collaboration that helps Australians better understand and reduce their risk.

The partnership forms part of TAL’s Health for Life preventative health program that uses evidence-based resources to deliver targeted education, helping people take practical steps to live healthier lives.

Cancer remains one of Australia’s most significant health challenges, with almost one in two Australians expected to be diagnosed by age 85. All forms of cancer represented 17% of claims TAL paid in FY25 - around $800 million was paid to around 9,600 customers and their families - the second-highest reason TAL customers claim[1].

About us:

About TAL

TAL is one of Australia's leading life insurance specialists. For over 150 years, TAL has been protecting people, not things. Together with its partners, TAL insures more than 5 million customers and offers life insurance through the following channels: direct to consumer; through a financial adviser; and via group and workplace superannuation schemes. TAL is part of the Daiichi Life Group, one of the world's largest insurance groups.

About Cancer Council

Almost half of all Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Whilst our cancer outcomes continue to be amongst the best in the world, by working together we can all play a part in reducing the impact of cancer for all Australians. 

As Australia’s leading cancer charity, working across every aspect of every cancer, we support families affected by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer.  

Together, with your support, it’s all of us against cancer. 

Contact details:

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