Youth Sun Protection
Description of sun protection. Why is it a challenge to youth?
Sun protection is a major concern in Australia where exposure to high levels of UV rays contribute to skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young people. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is considered to be the most significant risk factor for developing the most serious type of skin cancer—melanoma—as well as other types of skin cancer in adulthood. The reasons for the high incidence of skin cancer among young people is attributable to increased exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, most likely due to increased outdoor activity during the warmer months of the year combined with inadequate sun protection (Dobbinson et al. 2008b).
Relevant statistics
• Sunscreen was the most commonly used sun protective behaviour among 12–17 year olds (37%), while use of sunglasses was the most common among 18–24 year olds (47%) in 2006–07.
• The most commonly diagnosed cancer among adolescents and young adults between 2003-2007 was melanoma; it accounted for more than one quarter of all cancer in this age group
• Melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting youth in Australia
• In 15-24 year olds, only 69% used sun protection or avoided the sun on a regular basis.
• 77% of the population reported always or usually taking some sun protection measure or not going out in the sun.
What determinants of health act as a risk/protective factor?
Risk factors: sun tanning without sunscreen, lack of education, over 50 freckles, solariums, sunburn, fair skin.
Protective factors: applying sunscreen every 2-4 hours, wearing appropriate clothing on high uv rays days eg. Hat, T-shirt etc.
How does it affect youth development?
While the risk of melanoma increases with age, melanoma remains the most common cancer diagnosed among young Australians aged 15–24 ears. UV rays have many sever negative impacts like
• Rashes,...
