Speakers

Jay Allen – Cancer Survivor | Patient Advocate | Fundraiser | Motivational Speaker

Jay Allen is a passionate cancer survivor, patient advocate, and founder of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma in 2008 at just 32 years old, and later with throat cancer in 2021, Jay has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and the urgent need for better support and education around skin cancer. His personal journey revealed major gaps in the healthcare system, especially when it comes to patient voice and emotional support during a cancer diagnosis.

In response, Jay established the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation to ensure no one faces a skin cancer journey alone. Through advocacy, fundraising, and public speaking, he works tirelessly to promote early detection, prevention, and research — because more research means more successful treatments.

Jay’s message is particularly critical for those in the construction and building industry, where working outdoors under Australia’s harsh sun is part of everyday life. In his talk, "Don’t Let the Sun Be the Most Dangerous Thing on Site," Jay will share his powerful story and offer practical, potentially life-saving advice for workers and employers alike. His mission is clear: to make sun safety a priority on every job site, and to help reduce the staggering impact of skin cancer in Australia — one of the highest rates in the world.