Sunscreens are in common use, with more than half of the public buying or using sunscreens within a 3-year period.<sup>32 McGregor J.M., Young A.R. Sunscreens, suntans and skin cancer BMJ 1996 ;  312 : 1621-1622

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Sun avoidance and regular sunscreen use are widely promoted by organizations and individuals interested in cancer prevention; however, 70% of those who participated in a beach survey were on the beach to get or maintain a suntan.<sup>57 Zitser B.S., Shah A.N., Adams M.L. , e al. A survey of sunbathing practices on three Connecticut state beaches Conn Med 1996 ;  60 : 591-594

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Although they stayed on the beach for an average of 4 hours, only half were using sunscreen.

There appears to be some confusion in the public health sunscreen message or in the public's interpretation of that message. Some use sunscreens to prevent sunburn, whereas others use sunscreens to improve sun tanning. Some wish to avoid the wrinkling associated with sun exposure, whereas others believe that sunscreens prevent all types of skin cancer. Others seem to believe sunscreens should be used to prolong their time in the sun.

Despite, or conceivably because of, the confusing message, sunscreen use remains sporadic. The majority of male college students in North Carolina “rarely, if ever, use sunscreens.”<sup>50 Vail-Smith K., Felts W.M. Sunbathing: College students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of risks J Am Coll Health 1993 ;  42 : 21-26  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Fewer than 10% of the students used sunscreens in each instance of intentional sun exposure exceeding 30 minutes. In a study of more than 10,000 subjects, fewer than one third were very likely to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, or seek shade.<sup>21 Hall H.I., May D.S., Lew R.A. , e al. Sun protective behaviors in the US population. Presented at the Third Symposium on the Epidemiology of Melanoma and Non-melanocytic Skin Cancer Vancouver May 1996 ; 27-28

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Despite past sunburn experience, skiers often do not use sunscreens. A springtime survey in of skiers in Alberta showed that only two thirds were using sunscreen, and of those using a sunscreen, one third were sunburned at the time of survey.<sup>28 Leinweber C., Campbell H.S. High risk sports—spring skiing and sunburns. Presented at the Third Symposium on the Epidemiology of Melanoma and Non-melanocytic Skin Cancer Vancouver May 1996 ; 27-28

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Even in situations of high sunburn risk, sunscreen use is less than ideal.

Sunscreen use is perhaps most prevalent in Australia where three fourths of adult patients visiting a family physician reported using a sunscreen.<sup>31 Martin R. Relationship between risk factors, knowledge and preventing behavior relevant to skin cancer in general practice patients in south Australia Br J Gen Pract 1995 ;  45 : 365-367

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Indeed, sunscreen use was more popular than seeking shade, altering the time of day of exposure, or wearing covering clothing. The reverse priority sequence is commonly recommended by public health authorities.

Childhood exposure to the sun continues to be significant. Past experience of sunburn is a more significant determinant of childhood sunscreen use than other concerns.<sup>56 Zinman R., Schwartz S., Gordon K. , e al. Predictors of sunscreen use in childhood Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 1995 ;  149 : 804-807

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Despite this fact, only one third of U.K. parents regularly protect their children from the midday sun, and approximately half of their children burn at least once a year.<sup>7 Bourke J.F., Graham-Brown R.A.C. Protection of children against sunburn: A survey of parental practice in Leicester Br J Dermatol 1995 ;  133 : 264-266  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Early childhood exposure continues to be significant, with estimates that children aged 9 to 10 years sustain even more exposure than adolescents aged 14 to 15 years.<sup>11 Diffey B.L., Gibson C.J., Haylock R. , e al. Outdoor exposure of children and adolescents Br J Dermatol 1996 ;  134 : 1030-1034  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>