Teenagers Resist the Urge to Tan.

MEDIA RELEASE Sunday, 13 November 2005

Almost 90% of teenagers are now aware of the risk of skin cancer through sun exposure and more than two thirds are resisting the urge to tan, according to new data released today

The Cancer Council's National Sun Survey showed that 68% of 12 to 17 year olds did not
attempt to get a tan in summer (2003/04), even though 60% indicated they would like one.
The findings were welcomed by the Chair of The Cancer Council Australia's National Skin
Cancer Committee, Craig Sinclair. This is good news, especially with school holidays
around the corner. It indicates messages about skin cancer and sun protection are starting to connect with young Australians, Mr Sinclair said.

However, he cautioned the survey results weren't all good, particularly poor adoption of
sun-protection behaviour. The fact that 68% of teenagers did not go out and actively
attempt to get a tan is a positive result and teenagers should be commended for that, Mr
Sinclair said. However, there are some concerning results from the survey; for example
25% of teenagers are still getting sunburnt on a typical summer weekend.

We need to protect ourselves not just at the beach, but when we are enjoying a BBQ in the backyard, playing sport or are just out and about.The Cancer Council was particularly concerned about the prevalence of melanoma in younger people. It is alarming that 24% of all cancers in people aged 15-19 are melanomas, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer. This is the highest rate of all cancers in this age group.

According to Mr Sinclair, the survey provided interesting insights into teenagers beliefs
about skin cancer and sun protection and subsequent actions to protect themselves. Not
only are teenagers more aware of the link between skin cancer risk and sun exposure, fewer teenagers (41%) than adults (50%) believe a tanned person looks more healthy.
That is a great step forward, but the fact that a quarter of teenagers get sunburned on a
typical weekend is a problem we need to overcome.

We need to encourage them to take a multifaceted approach to sun protection. That means not just relying on sunscreen, but wearing sunglasses, a hat that protects the face, neck and ears, like the fashionable bucket hats, protective clothing and seeking out shade when they are outdoors, he added.

Despite their age, it seems that some teens have the foresight to understand steps toward prevention are more appealing than dealing with the potential consequences.

I admit, sometimes it is a nuisance when mum's bugging me about putting hats and
sunscreen on when all I want to do is get out into the sun with my friends, said Nellie
Montague, 14. But I know it's worth covering up now. I don't want to be wrinkly and
leathery and have skin cancer when I'm 30!

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