CANCER Council NSW is encouraging Lake Macquarie teenagers to be sun smart this summer with statistics revealing 38 per cent of young Australians (aged 12 to 17 years) like to get a sun tan.
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According to the Cancer Council Australia’s National Sun Protection Survey, 31 per cent of boys and 47 per cent of girls prefer a tan, with one in four adolescent boys and one in five females sunburnt on summer weekends.
Community programs co-ordinator in the Hunter Cancer Council NSW office, Susan Russell, said the survey results were a clear reminder of the importance of proper sun protection.
“Australia has among the highest skin cancer statistics in the world with one in two people diagnosed before the age of 70,’’ Ms Russell said.
“UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and can be high even on cool or cloudy days, leaving many people to think they don’t need to use sunscreen or cover up.’’
She urged local parents take action to ensure their teenagers have their own tube of sunscreen for the pool or beach so they can avoid UV damage.
In the Hunter New England Health region alone, it is predicted that, by 2016, 836 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year, with 100 deaths expected.
Melanoma, one of the most serious form of skin cancers, is the most common type of cancer in young Australians aged 15 to 29.
Cancer Council NSW recommends teenagers use sunscreen in conjunction with hats, clothing, shade and sunglasses when UV levels are three and above.
■ National Skin Cancer Action Week runs from November 15 to 21.
