Sun exposure increases risk of skin cancer, and various demographic factors influence sun safety behaviour..
In Singapore, although the local population spends less time under the sun as compared to Western populations, sun safety habits are not widely practised.
Men, young adults, dark-skinned individuals and those with lower education levels are most vulnerable to poor sun safety habits and prolonged sun exposure.
This was identified in the first local survey to study sun safety behaviour among Singaporeans. The study was conducted by Assistant Professor Seow Wei Jie, and Dr Yew Yik Weng and Dr Cheong Kah Wai from the National Skin Centre.
Over 2,300 people adults aged 18 to 79 participated in the survey. More than half do not take any measures to protect themselves from the sun. Only 14.2 per cent would wear a sun hat, 18.8 per cent would often carry an umbrella, and 23.9 per cent would use sunscreen.
“We also found it interesting that married people are more likely to use various sun protection measures to protect themselves. It could be that those who have children pay more attention to this aspect of sun protection,” said Dr Seow.
The survey also found that men spent an average of 53 minutes more in the sun; young adults spend more time outdoors, whether at work or on rest days; and people with darker skin will not wear sunscreen when working under the hot sun.
Dr Yew said, “Although [having dark skin] can have a certain protective effect, if they do not wear sunscreen and are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, they will have a higher chance of suffering from skin cancer.”
View the full study in the Annals, Academy of Medicine, Singapore: Sun Exposure and Sun Safety Habits Among Adults in Singapore: A Cross-Sectional Study
Media coverage: