What can Aotearoa New Zealand learn from the Australian Sunsmart Story? A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To explore the views of stakeholders in Australia concerning skin cancer primary prevention and identify successful strategies used that may be translatable to other jurisdictions. Methods: In‐depth stakeholder interviews with experts engaged in skin cancer prevention advocacy and action in Australia. Results: A number of important facilitators were identified including: the use of good scientific evidence (including economic), strong leadership, legislation and strategic documents, engaging the media particularly with the use of personal stories and garnering public support. A number of barriers were also identified including: a lack of funding (particularly nationally), variation by state, apathy and the long latency of skin cancer. Conclusions: Advocates identified a number of key strategies that were used to gain momentum in achieving Australia's comprehensive Sunsmart program. These included: strong leadership, legislation including that banning solaria and workplace health and safety legislation, a critical mass of key advocates from a range of disciplines including clinicians and patients, and the advantageous use of media to drive change. Implications for public health: Australia demonstrates what can be achieved when skin cancer prevention is taken seriously. The challenge for other nations is to apply the lessons learnt in Australia to our own jurisdictions.

Keywords

• Australia
• New Zealand
• skin cancer prevention
• advocacy
• qualitative