RESEARCH
The Cancer Society’s work in skin cancer control is informed by a variety of research. In particular, the Social & Behavioural Research in Cancer Unit, Otago University (SBRCU) has played a unique role in undertaking research on sun protection which serves to guide programme planning. Recent research undertaken by the SBRCU includes sun protection in secondary schools; measurement of sun exposure among primary & intermediate school children; sun protection messages in media weather reports; outdoor workers’ perceptions of non-melanoma skin cancer risk; a survey of local councils’ sun protection policies and practices; evaluation of the three-yearly Sun Survey series jointly commissioned by the Cancer Society and HSC; and a baseline survey of primary schools’ sun protection.
Other research recently commissioned by the Cancer Society includes a project on the effectiveness of 29 shade structures among 10 New Zealand primary schools undertaken by Victoria University architect Christina MacKay, and the subsequent production of guidelines for shade structures in primary schools.
The Society also enjoys a reciprocal and collaborative relationship with The Cancer Council Australia (TCCA) and The Cancer Council Victoria. This includes the sharing of research through CSNZ representation on the TCCA’s Skin Cancer Steering Committee and SunSmart Schools’ Working Group.
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