Please note: This publication was rescinded on 31 December 2005
Synopsis
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released a report on the prevention of skin cancer in Australia and says local and international evidence suggests that exposure to the sun during childhood and teenage years significantly increases the risk of skin cancer in later life.
The National Health and Medical Research Council's report Primary Prevention of Skin Cancer in Australia, reviewed and assessed Australian and overseas approaches to skin cancer prevention in children and teenagers.
The report concludes that sun protection strategies should continue to primarily target children and recommends that a National Sun Protection Strategy be implemented in Australia.
The report also stresses that sun screens should be regarded as an important adjunct, but not a substitute for, other forms of protection, such as staying out of the sun and wearing protective clothing and that any National Sun Protection Strategy should link cancer organisations, State, Territory and Commonwealth health departments and other relevant sectors.
The report recommended further research into the causes of skin cancer, the effectiveness of current prevention programs as well as research to identify strategies to reduce sun exposure.
