Rowan's message lives on in new campaign

Just nine months after losing his life to melanoma skin cancer, Rowan Barrett’s message not to be complacent about sun protection will be heard again.

Rowan, who sadly died last April just two months after his 35th birthday, will feature in powerful radio and television commercials urging men to do more to prevent skin cancer.

Rowan’s story is one of the most successful skin cancer campaigns run by the Cancer Council and funded in part by the Department of Health. It first aired in February last year.

By bringing home the reality of the effects of skin cancer, Rowan’s campaign is designed to encourage young Western Australians, and especially men, to use sun protection.

“Rowan struck a chord with adolescents and young men in a way that we haven’t been able to do before,” said Terry Slevin, Cancer Council Director of Education and Research.

“His story is the most powerful tool we have had to reinforce the fact that skin cancer is serious. He has helped to shake blokes out of complacency when it comes to sun protection,” Mr Slevin said.

A keen surfer, fisherman and outdoor sportsman, Rowan was diagnosed with advanced melanoma skin cancer in September 2007.

He wanted to share his experience as a warning to other men.

His family has generously given permission for the campaign to go ahead.

“We are devastated by the loss of our wonderful son but we are also very proud of what he has done for skin cancer awareness,” said Rowan’s father, Rodney Barrett.

“We get some comfort from the fact that his message will be heard by others and perhaps prevent other families from going through the same tragedy as we are experiencing.

“Rowan was determined to do all he could to make men more aware of the need to protect themselves from the sun and avoid the fate he was facing.”

Mr Slevin said there are men in WA whose lives have already been saved as a result of Rowan’s campaign.

“Rowan always said he was an ordinary bloke, but he’s done an extraordinary thing in sharing his story.

“Rowan’s message is a very simple one – you are not invincible,” Mr Slevin said.

The advertisements will air on statewide television from tonight and radio in February.

Media Contact: Kerry O’Hare – Cancer Council WA - 0418 959 690

Campaign materials including links to TV and radio commercials.