Cancer Council is asking Australians aged 12 to 17 years to get creative and ‘bust a myth’ about skin cancer.   Enter a short film, image or creative writing piece and you could win a great prize.

With one in four teens getting sunburnt on a typical weekend, this is a great opportunity for teens to show their friends and classmates how to be SunSmart.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive of Cancer Council SA says, “Most cases of skin cancer can be prevented by being SunSmart. This means understanding when and how to protect yourself from the sun when the UV index is 3 or above.”

“This competition will help promote messages about the causes of skin damage by dispelling the common myths about UV exposure and sun protection, such as solariums being a safe way to tan and that you can’t get burnt on a cloudy day.” 

There are more than 1700 deaths from skin cancer each year – most of which could be prevented via better sun protection and early detection.

Cancer Council has listed 10 myths about skin cancer on their website and wants teens to choose one and show Australia the facts.

There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs:
• First prize: Flip Mino HD pocket-sized video camera and Adobe CS5 Production Premium (education) video and photo editing software.
• Second prize: - iLuv iMM173 Dual Dock Alarm Clock for iPhone + iPod.
• Third prize: Slazenger cricket pack.
• School prize: The school or community group with the greatest number of entries will receive an Xbox 360 console, including an Xbox LIVE camera and a selection of games from Microsoft and two Slazenger cricket packs, including a cricket bat signed by Michael Clarke.