Sun tan preferences among young people
Why this indicator is important
Melanoma is the most common cancer among young Australians aged 15 to 39 years.1
Skin cancer is a highly preventable cancer. At least 95% of melanoma skin cancers and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.2
About this indicator
This indicator highlights the proportion of young people (aged 12 to 17 years) who have a preference for a tan (light to very dark). It is a measure of reducing their exposure to UV radiation.
In 2017, the preference for a tan among young people reduced to 57.6% compared with 60.7% in 2014.
The proportion of young people who prefer having a tan ranged from 45.1% to 70.3% across LHDs in 2017.
Proportion of young people* who have a preference for a tan (light to very dark), by local health district (LHD) ranked, NSW, 2014 and 2017
N = Number of survey respondents
* People aged 12 to 17 years.
Notes:
- Data source: NSW School Students Health Behaviours Survey (Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health).
- The figures for Far West LHD are not available due to very small numbers.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer in adolescents and young adults in Australia. Cat. No. CAN 110. Canberra: AIHW, 2018.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Skin Cancer in Australia. Cat. No. CAN 96. Canberra: AIHW, 2016.
Tags:
Sun protection