Review date
September 2023
Article publication date
August 2023
Summary
Australia has one of the highest incidences of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers worldwide. A major cause of skin cancers is excessive and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with effective sun protection behaviours making such cancers preventable. This cross-sectional study investigated changes in the sun protection behaviours of Western Australian adolescents and adults during the summers between 2015/16 and 2020/21. Over this six-year period, 1806 14-17 year olds and 1808 18-45 year olds were involved in a randomised phone survey that assessed their frequency of five sun protection behaviours – wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses and seeking shade, as well as demographic factors such as their gender, skin type and area of residency. Sun avoidance by staying indoors was also assessed. Amongst the adolescent group, it was found that the use of hats and sunscreen remained relatively stable, seeking shade and sun avoidance increased, and wearing protective clothing and sunglasses decreased. All sun protection behaviours remained relatively stable over the six-year period in the adult group, except for wearing sunscreen, which increased. Overall, the sun protection behaviours of adults were found to be better than that of adolescents. It was noted that the findings of this study could assist in tailoring messages to shape future health promotions regarding sun exposure.
Link to
Patterns of Sun Protection Behaviours among Australian Adolescents and Adults over a Six-Year Period
Published in
Current Oncology
ARPANSA commentary
Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, with the UV index frequently reaching over 11 (extreme) in some parts of the country during the summer months. Consequently, more than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, many of which will be UV induced and preventable. Sun protection behaviours and actions are extremely important to reduce this exposure and decrease the incidence of UV induced skin cancers. Sun protection is strongly recommended when the UV index reaches 3 or higher. Real time UV index measurements that can be used to determine when sun protection is needed can be found on the ARPANSA Ultraviolet Radiation Index webpage.
Sun protection is particularly important for Australian children and adolescents. High sun exposure in the first decade of life more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life. Similarly, intense, intermittent sun exposure (number of sunburns and sunbathing vacations) during each decade up to 29 years of age increases risk of melanoma by more than one-and-a-half times.
It is concerning that the study showed that the sun protection behaviours of adolescents decreased over the six-year period. Similar findings have been reported in studies completed by the Australian Cancer Council. Both studies also report that the percentages of adults and adolescents that engage in these behaviours are troublingly low. Ideally, 100% of Australians would partake in sun protection behaviours when outside and the UV index is 3 or above, but no single behaviour surpasses 61% in either study.
It is important that Australians, particularly children and adolescents, are aware of the dangers of UV exposure and are encouraged to partake in sun protection behaviours. The SunSmart Website provides advice on sun protection for families with teens. The results of this study indicate that more work needs to be done in increasing awareness and promoting sun protection behaviours. More information on UV protection can be found on the ARPANSA Sun Protection factsheet.
