The latest Cancer Council National Sun Protection Survey shows that overall the proportion of adults slipping on clothing to protect themselves from the sun has decreased from 19 percent to 17 percent in the last three years. 

Meanwhile the proportion of NSW adults who get sunburnt on summer weekends hasn’t improved and now sits at 17 percent, equivalent to more than 881,000 adults. 

In light of the findings Cancer Council Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists are joining together this National Skin Cancer Action Week (November 19-25) to remind Australians how to best protect their skin.

Abby Wallace from Cancer Council NSW northern region has expressed concern that sun protection behaviours among adults in the state had recently deteriorated, and that it reinforced the need for continued investment in skin cancer campaigns to ensure adults remain vigilant about reducing their UV exposure.

Ms Wallace also welcomed some of the positive news in the research.

“There has been a noticeable increase in the use of sunscreen among adults. Whilst this is wonderful news, there is still a lot of work to do in terms of educating our local community on the importance of adopting a combination of sun protection measures.

“We suspect Aussies are slopping on sunscreen while at the same time reducing their use of covering clothing and expecting to be protected all day long. Sunscreen is a great tool to help protect your skin, but it isn’t a suit of armour. The motto remains the same - slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Wearing covering clothing is one of the simplest and effective ways to protect your skin.”

Dr Andrew Miller, President, Australasian College of Dermatologists said that thanks to previous public health campaigns Australians were well educated about the risks of skin cancer, but some parents seemed to be more focused on protecting their kids’ skin than using sun protection themselves.

“The theme for this year’s National Skin Cancer Action Week is ‘Join the SunSmart Generation’. We often see Australian parents protecting their children with rashies, hats, sunscreen and shade – while not protecting themselves well.”

Dr Miller also said that it was important for parents to remember that their own sun protection was also vital. 

“Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime and it’s never too late to protect their skin from further damage. We want to see more adults setting a good example and joining their children in being SunSmart.

“Melanoma rates in Australians aged 40 and under are dropping and the children of today are our most SunSmart generation ever. However, it’s a real concern that sun protection behaviours overall don’t seem to be improving and that over 881,000 NSW adults are putting themselves at risk of skin cancer by getting sunburnt on summer weekends.”