Susanna Daniels
CEO, Melanoma Focus
A survey has found that 35% of adults worryingly never use sunscreen in the UK.
A survey conducted for our charity — Melanoma Focus — has found that 35% of UK adults never use sunscreen in the UK during summer — a figure that rises to 41% among men.1 It has sparked concern that many people are ignoring the serious, potentially deadly consequences of UV exposure.
A quarter of adults have never heard of the UV index
The survey also found 25% of UK adults have never heard of the UV index, and less than half (43%) understand what it is.2 When further asked at what UV index level they should wear sunscreen, most people didn’t realise it’s necessary at ‘moderate’ or 3 and above.3 These statistics highlight a concerning gap in knowledge about sun safety and skin health.
It‘s alarming to see that so many individuals are putting themselves at serious risk by potentially burning their skin and overlooking the vital importance of sun protection. Melanoma skin cancer is extremely serious, and five or more sunburns over your lifetime can double your risk of developing this often deadly disease.
Melanoma skin cancer is extremely serious,
and five or more sunburns over your lifetime can double your risk of developing this often deadly disease
Melanoma skin cancer on the rise
Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the country (and now the 4th most common for men), with around 19,400 new cases every year. Melanoma is also the deadliest form of skin cancer, causing approximately 2,600 deaths each year in the UK — more than seven every day.4 The UK already has more deaths from melanoma skin cancer per year than Australia, and it is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the UK.4
Prevention is possible
Despite this, nearly 9 in 10 melanoma cases are preventable, making awareness and protection essential. As we head into the summer, we understand the desire to spend time outdoors, but staying safe in the sun by using a broad-spectrum factor 30+ sunscreen, seeking shade, covering up, wearing a hat and UV protection sunglasses will protect you. These sun safe practices are important when the UV index (found on weather apps) is moderate or 3 or above.
Visit Melanoma Focus for advice about how to protect yourself from skin cancer.
[1] Cancer Research UK. Melanoma skin cancer statistics. https://tinyurl.com/yc67j6yv.
