Sun protection behaviours in adults
Published 21 November 2018
Why this indicator is important
Australia has the second-highest rate of skin cancer in the world.[1]
Ten per cent of cancers diagnosed among NSW residents are melanoma of the skin, making it the third most common cancer diagnosed.[2]
It is estimated that around 95% of melanoma skin cancers, and around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers, could be prevented through reduced exposure to UV radiation.[1]
Improving sun-safe behaviours such as seeking shade and using sunscreen will help prevent skin cancer in NSW. Adopting 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):
- sought shade ‘always’ or ‘often’ (40.3% in 2016) and
- ‘always’ or ‘often’ apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (35.5% in 2016)
These sun-safe behaviours are shown below by local health districts (LHDs), compared with the 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, by LHD (ranked), 2016
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-specturm sunscreen (SPF 15+) when out in the sun for 15 min or more in the last 4 weeks, by LHD (ranked), 2016
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.
References:
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Skin Cancer in Australia. Cat. No. CAN 96. Canberra: AIHW, 2016.
2. Annual NSW cancer incidence and mortality data 2014 (sourced from the NSW Cancer Registry). Population data are sourced from SAPHaRI (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health).