A National Skin Cancer Survey — released today by the New Zealand Cancer Society and the University of Otago — has found sunburn rates are highest among young adults aged 18-24, and more than one-third of them reported more than three sunburns over a summer. "Despite long-standing awareness that skin cancer is largely preventable, these findings show that sunburn remains very common, particularly among young adults. "This seems to coincide with a significant drop in government funding for sun safety campaigns over recent years, which may be contributing to the lack of progress in reducing sunburn rates. She said 50% of respondents reported they liked to get a suntan, and 43% agreed that a tanned person looked healthier, particularly among young adults. "The high level of public support provides a clear mandate for increased, sustained and co-ordinated investment in skin cancer prevention," she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 19, 2026 16:23 UTC