Sun protection behaviours in adults

Published 23 June 2017

Skin cancers are the most common and costly cancers in Australia.

Why this indicator is important

Skin cancer accounts for 81% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia each year.  In 2015 alone there were approximately 13,000 new skin cancer cases diagnosed in NSW.

Two measures that represent key sun-safe behaviours are seeking shade and using sunscreen.

Any improvement in behaviours that impact skin cancer prevalence will reduce death and disease in NSW. Adoption of sun safe behaviours is a key theme of ongoing skin cancer campaigns.

About this indicator

This indicator shows the proportion of adults (18 years and over) in NSW who, when out in the sun for 15 minutes or more in the 4 weeks before being surveyed, reported:

•  seeking shade ‘always’ or ‘often’ (40.6% in 2014)
•  ‘always’ or ‘often’ applied a broad-spectrum sunscreen (33.9% in 2014)

These sun-safe behaviours are shown below by local health districts (LHDs) , compared with average of those surveyed in NSW. 

Proportion of adults who sought shade 'always' or 'often' when out in the sun for 15 min or more in the last 4 weeks

* Persons aged 18 years and over.
Notes:
1. Data source: NSW Population Health Survey (sourced from SAPHaRI, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health).
2. Actual estimates are shown in this graph.

Proportion of adults who 'always' or 'often' apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 +) when out in the sun in the last 4 weeks

Notes:
1. Data source: NSW Population Health Survey (sourced from SAPHaRI, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health).
2. Actual estimates are shown in this graph.