Self‐reported skin cancer‐related behaviours in rural Victoria: results from repeat cross‐sectional studies in 2001–2003 and 2016–2018

: Objective: To assess whether self‐reported use of sun‐protective measures and skin examination have changed between 2001 and 2018 in a rural setting. Methods: Repeat cross‐sectional survey of randomly selected households in four rural Victorian towns. People aged 16 years and older were eligible to participate. Logistic regression was used to identify demographic factors associated with sun‐protective measures and skin examination. Results: Overall, 5,328 participated in 2001–2003 and 2,680 in 2016–2018. Among participants who go out in the sun, the mean number of reported sun‐protective measures (2.6±1.3 vs. 2.6±1.6, p=0.867) and the proportion of participants reporting usually/always using sun protection (65.1% vs. 63.9%, p=0.307) were unchanged between the two surveys. However, an increased proportion of participants reported avoiding the sun when outdoors in the more recent survey (from 18.8% to 34.3%, p Conclusions: Given the small changes in sun protection over time, updated skin cancer campaigns are needed to encourage increased sun‐protective behaviours and skin examinations among rural residents. Implications for public health: Results suggest that updated health promotion campaigns targeted to rural areas are warranted.
Skin cancer remains a major public health issue in Australia, which is known as ‘the skin cancer capital of the world’.[sup.1] Australia has some of the highest incidence[sup.2] and mortality [...]