Warning Over Rising Dangerous Summer Trend: Most Concerning
Health authorities urge Australians to avoid harmful sun habits this summer
Australia, Skin Cancer, Collariums, Melanoma, Sun Safety
Australia: As the summer heats up, health officials are sounding the alarm. They’re worried about the bad sun habits people are picking up. These habits can lead to serious issues like skin cancer down the line.
One big concern is the rise of “collariums,” which are being marketed as a safer alternative to solariums. But experts say that’s just not true. They’re popping up all over social media, and it’s making things worse.
Mark Nevin, the CEO of Cancer Council Australia, pointed out that while fewer young Aussies are getting melanoma, many still think they’re invincible. They believe their age protects them, which is a dangerous mindset.
According to research, a lot of young people don’t think they’re at risk for skin cancer. Nevin mentioned that 74% of them feel unlikely to get it. This is troubling, especially since Australia has a culture that glamorizes tanning.
Social media trends are pushing this idea even further, making it seem cool to get a tan. But this can lead to risky behaviors where people prioritize looking good over their health.
Collariums are being sold as a “healthier” option, but they still emit harmful UV rays. Nevin warns that these rays can actually speed up skin aging instead of helping it. Using any kind of sunbed is a sign of skin damage and raises the risk of skin cancer.
Even though commercial solariums have been banned for years, people can still own and use them privately. Nevin strongly advises against any type of solarium, as they increase the risk of skin damage.
He wants young people to take charge and help stop the trend of skin cancer. The Cancer Council is working to change attitudes through campaigns that resonate with Gen Z, using influencers and media to spread the message.
After last summer’s efforts, they saw some positive changes in how young Australians protect their skin. But there’s still a long way to go to shift these dangerous tanning habits.