A new report from the Cancer Institute NSW has revealed encouraging progress in sun safety habits across the state, but also highlights ongoing risks, with an estimated 700,000 adults still experiencing sunburn in a recent period.
The Sun Protection Behaviours Report shows that around 10 per cent of adults reported being sunburnt within four weeks of being surveyed – a noticeable improvement from nearly 15 per cent in previous findings. While this indicates growing awareness, health experts warn that sun exposure remains a serious concern.
Young adults aged 18 to 24 continue to be the most vulnerable group, with nearly one in five (18.5 per cent) reporting recent sunburn. The report also found that this age group is less likely to consistently adopt protective behaviours such as wearing hats, sunglasses or appropriate clothing.
Exposure during peak UV hours remains another key issue. Around 40 per cent of adults are frequently outdoors between 11am and 3pm, when UV radiation is strongest. Despite this, only about 40 per cent of people use three or more forms of sun protection, indicating a gap between awareness and action.
Australia continues to face one of the highest skin cancer rates globally, with two in three Australians expected to be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime. Experts note that the vast majority of cases are preventable, as they are directly linked to overexposure to UV radiation.
Health authorities continue to promote the well-known “five steps” approach to sun safety: wearing protective clothing, applying SPF50+ sunscreen, using a wide-brim hat, seeking shade and wearing sunglasses. However, the report found that fewer than five per cent of adults follow all five measures consistently.
Certain demographics were also identified as higher risk. Men aged over 40 were more likely to be exposed to the sun during peak hours, while people living in regional and coastal areas reported higher exposure levels compared to those in metropolitan Sydney.
The findings are based on data collected from around 10,000 participants as part of the NSW Health Population Health Survey, providing a comprehensive snapshot of sun exposure and protection behaviours across the state.
Health Minister Ryan Park emphasised the importance of continued awareness, particularly among younger Australians, while cancer experts urged people to adopt simple daily habits that can significantly reduce long-term health risks.
While progress is evident, the report serves as a clear reminder – sun safety remains a critical public health priority, and consistent protective behaviour is essential to reducing the burden of skin cancer across New South Wales.
