La Roche-Posay, a leader in sun protection and skincare, has launched a powerful new art installation, The Spot, at Sculpture by the Sea, aiming to raise awareness about melanoma, Australia’s deadliest skin cancer. Installed at Tamarama Beach, the artwork is an evolving sculpture that mimics the appearance and progression of melanoma, urging Australians to prioritise regular skin checks and early detection as critical components of skin health.

The installation, crafted by artists A. Cooke, A. Hankin, and M. Aberline with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, forms part of La Roche-Posay’s Your Skin Remembers campaign, highlighting the long-term impacts of sun exposure and the importance of proactive skin monitoring. Penelope Thornett, Managing Director of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, said La Roche-Posay “is committed to educating Australians on the importance of prevention and early detection of skin cancer” and “we’re proud to be the official sunscreen partner of Sculpture by the Sea, which we hope will encourage people to check and protect their skin all year round”.

La Roche-Posay’s initiative arrives at a critical time as Australia faces some of the world’s highest skin cancer rates, with two out of three Australians expected to be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Emphasising prevention, the company offered complimentary skin checks through a collaboration with the early detection charity Skin Check Champions on the weekend, (October 26-27), where visitors had access to free skin assessments and received samples of La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF50+ sunscreen.

In addition to the installation, La Roche-Posay has entered a five-year partnership with Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) to support pioneering research and public education on sun safety.

“Australia’s alarming skin cancer rates demand a united front. We are so proud to stand with Melanoma Institute Australia to raise awareness on sun safety and pioneering critical research in the treatment of skin cancer,” Alex Davison, Chief Executive Officer, L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand, said. “We believe this partnership represents a significant step forward and with La Roche-Posay’s commitment to offering life-changing dermatological skincare for all, we are committed to being part of the solution.”

Matthew Browne, CEO of MIA, echoed this urgency, noting that melanoma is the most common cancer among young Australians. MIA’s goal of zero melanoma deaths by 2030 hinges on increasing awareness of the five sun-safe rules, including routine sunscreen use.

“Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world, with one Australian diagnosed every 30 minutes,” he said. “A little-known fact is that melanoma is also the most common cancer impacting 20 to 39 year-old Australians. The State of the Nation in Melanoma report identified prevention as being a critical part of the roadmap towards reaching our goal of zero deaths from melanoma.”

The 26th Sculpture by the Sea, a globally renowned exhibition, features over 100 sculptures along Bondi’s coastal walk, attracting 450,000 visitors each year. Through this initiative, La Roche-Posay brings a timely and vital message to Australians: protect your skin, and remember, early detection saves lives.

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