This is the second post in a two-part series, for part one, click here.
Over the past few years, in Australia, there appears to have been a decline in teenage deaths from melanoma skin cancer (see Figure 1). This trend likely signifies that the standard of care for melanoma has improved in this period. The decrease is in response to more effective treatment of melanoma in recent years, with improved treatment options and more aggressive treatment of advanced melanomas. There is also greater availability of medical screening facilities and teens are encouraged to perform personal skin checks, leading to earlier detection of skin cancers.
Enhanced knowledge about melanoma and the importance of sun protection in children and teenagers has occurred through school education programs. There is also greater awareness of skin cancer through the SunSmart media campaigns, which began with “Slip! Slop! Slap!” in the 1980’s. These advertisements and education campaigns promote the importance of sun safe behaviours, such as the use of sunscreen and protective clothing, and debunk common myths about skin cancer.
With the rise in popularity of outdoor leisure activities, changing clothing styles and an increase in solarium use amongst adolescents and young adults it is expected that skin cancer rates in this age range will rise into the future. Yet there is optimism that, with the advent of new diagnostic and treatment procedures, the rate of mortalities from skin cancer in youths could be further reduced. Educating young people about self-screening for changes in their skin and the continued promotion of UV protective measures will also help to minimise the number of adolescent deaths from skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Figure 1. Melanoma incidence in Australian vs. American teenagers
Despite the decrease, Australia still has one of the highest rates of melanoma incidence and mortality in teenagers globally, with the number of melanomas in 15 to 19 year old Australians being more than double that of those in the US (Figure 1). Several factors have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. Foremost, is that the population in Australia consists of a high proportion of people with fair skin types which are exposed to relatively high levels of UV throughout most of the year; this is in part due to latitude and climate, but also as a result of ozone depletion in the atmosphere over this region. Furthermore, Australians are renowned for their love of the outdoors; being fanatical sporting fans and fervent holiday makers means more time under the burning sun. Because of their increased risk of skin cancer, in comparison with adolescents from other nations, young Australians need to be particularly vigilant with regards sun protection and monitoring their skin for any signs of malignancies.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2010, ACIM (Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality) Books: Skin–melanoma.xls, retrieved 25 October 2010, <http://www.aihw.gov.au/cancer/data/acim_books/index.cfm>.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2010, United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report, retrieved 1st November 2010, <http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/uscs/index.aspx>.
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, 2010, Melanoma, accessed 27th October 2010, <http://clinuvel.com/skin-conditions/skin-cancer/melanoma>.
Image reference
‘IMG_810105300705 new crop’ uploaded to flickr.com by ‘chefjancris’ on the 18 June 2007, <http://www.flickr.com/photos/chefjancris/567818473/>.
