Skin Cancer Prevention strategy Sun safe behaviours subgroup Marbeth Ferguson Cancer Focus NI

Sun Safe Behaviours Subgroup Dept of Health (Chair) Cancer Focus NI Health Improvement at 5 Health & Social Care Trusts PPI representation

Strategy objectives Objective 3: To increase individual and organisation-wide practice of sun safety behaviours

Influencing attitudes & behaviours Clear, consistent messages from a range of sources: Media Face to face engagement Information posters etc Employers Health & well being professional groups Education sector Sports & leisure organisations 2017 - baseline assessment of current knowledge of UV exposure, the UV index and sun safety behaviour was conducted in May. There were 355 responses to the online survey. Over 80% of respondents stated that they were aware of the UV Index. However there were mixed responses to more detailed questions, for example about the relationship between temperature and UV index. Be UV Aware 2017 – UV index meters on loan to stakeholders 2018 – UV index meters, display boards, digital ad campaign

UV levels – Cyprus June 2017 N Ireland - temperate climate, very variable weather. In summer Southern Europe e.g. Cyprus often has  UV index levels 7 and above. https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/uv-index-graphs

UV levels – N Ireland June 2017 In N Ireland temperature can often be 10-15oC lower than southern Europe But can have significant UV levels in spring/summer months https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/uv-index-graphs

Children and young adults

Outdoor workers

Outdoor sports and leisure Sun safety /UV awareness information stands at larger public events e.g. Balmoral Show, Garden Show Ireland, Newcastle Festival of Flight. Focus on participants and spectators key outdoor sporting events/venues e.g. GAA, football, golf, rowing, tennis, cricket. Activities include provision of sun safety/Be UV Aware information, provision of sunscreen, media work with governing bodies Also provide resources and info sessions at summer schemes for children organised by Councils and sports groups e.g. IFA, GAA, IRFU. In the last 5 years reached over 34,600 participants in summer schemes.

Behaviour change? Evidence that people understand the risks Public attitudes & behaviours recorded via Health Surveys: Use of sunscreen as the most popular method of sun protection has remained constant at 70% over the 16 year period since 2000. Those using sunscreen use a product with SPF 15+ has increased from 70% in 2008 to 83% in 2016/17 Australian Sun Smart campaign’s work with lifeguards to change behaviours - cover up with hat, sunglasses & shirt and use sunscreen on exposed skin. It took many years (approx 35yrs) of prevention work in Australia to see first impact on incidence – in 2015 a slight reduction in melanoma incidence in the 40-59 age group and a greater reduction in the 0-39 age group. NZ now has highest melanoma incidence worldwide which may in part be due to less investment in prevention. What does progress in NI look like? We have evidence that people understand the risks but translation into a change in behaviour is more difficult to effect and demonstrate. Mixed results in relation to public attitudes & behaviours recorded via Health Surveys in 2012/13 and 2016/17: In 2012/13 45% thought a tan made them feel healthier/more attractive and this increased to around 50% in 2016/17 Use of sunscreen as the most popular method of sun protection has remained constant at 70% over the 16 year period since 2000. Those using sunscreen use a product with SPF 15+ has increased from 70% in 2008 to 83% in 2016/17 In 2012/13 20% had at least one episode of sunburn in the last year and 43% of 16 to 24 yr olds. In 2016/17 2!% had at least one episode of sunburn in the last year Use of sunbeds by young people (16-25) has reduced slightly since 2008 from 5% to 4% in 2016/17.

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