Britons have been urged to ‘take more care of their skin’ during what could be a scorching Bank Holiday weekend, as new research revealed one in nine UK adults have deliberately burnt their skin.
A survey of more than 3,000 British adults has found that an astonishing one in three adults (35 per cent) admitted to never using sunscreen during the summer months, putting them at risk of developing serious diseases such as melanoma.
There are around 19,400 new cases of melanoma every year in Britain and around 2,600 deaths – making it the deadliest form of skin cancer – and UV exposure is the main cause of the disease in the UK.
Yet as 86 per cent of melanoma cases are preventable in the UK, experts from charity Melanoma Focus – who carried out the research – have urged Britons to look after their skin.
Temperatures are set to climb across England this weekend and sun-worshippers are gearing up to soak in the rays.
Those kicking off the festivities early on Friday will have to contend with the mercury rising up to 25C in cities like London, Nottingham, Manchester and York.
And the deck chairs and beach towels will be out again for millions on Saturday as levels remain around 20C, while Sunday and Monday – the Early May bank holiday – will see a slight dip.
But while the sunshine will boost the mood of the nation, worrying research has revealed that many people may not be protected against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays – a form of radiation which can lead to deadly skin cancer.
Britons are set to bask in the sun this bank holiday weekend with temperatures as high as 25C
But a new poll has revealed that more than one in three adults in the UK do not use sunscreen
Susanna Daniels, the charity’s chief executive, said ‘it is alarming to see that so many individuals are putting themselves at serious risk’ and ‘overlooking the vital importance of sun protection’.
She added: ‘As we head into the bank holiday weekend, 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.’
The findings further revealed that British men could be even more at risk of skin cancer, with 41 per cent admitting they do not use sunscreen during the summer months.
One in four of those polled admitted not knowing anything about the UV index – a tool which can be found online and measures how strong the sun’s radiation is at a specific location and time.
There are two main types of UV ray, both of which can damage the skin and cause skin cancer including carcinoma, a less harmful type of the disease than melanoma but still dangerous.
The first type, UVA, penetrates deeper into the skin while UVB targets the outer layer and causes most sunburns.
The UV index monitors the intensity of both UVA and UVB and informs people of the radiation levels from low – between a number of one or two – to extremely high at 11, however anything above three can be harmful to the skin for most.
The tool is useful as it makes people aware of how they could be at risk of sunburn and how much protection they need.
But less than half of those surveyed understood what it meant – sparking concern as being sunburnt more than five times can more than double a person’s risk of melanoma, which is the fifth most common cancer in the UK behind breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer.
Being exposed to too many UV rays can lead to melanoma – a deadly form of skin cancer
Symptoms of the disease include a new mole – or change to an existing mole – anywhere on the body, but more commonly in areas exposed to the sun.
Rare types can even show up in the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands, genitals and fingernails.
Darren Barker, 48, from London, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2023 and said it is ‘more common than people might think’.
He continued: ‘Being diagnosed was really frightening and made me realise how fragile the skin is. I’ve had quite a few sunburns in my life even though we didn’t travel abroad very often when I was young.
‘I’m lucky that I noticed a mole on my leg had changed so I went to the doctor and was diagnosed early and successfully treated.
Read More
Doctors insisted a subtle change to my nail was nothing to worry about… in fact it was the ONLY sign of the deadliest kind of skin cancer. These are the easy-to-miss symptoms everyone must look out for
‘I’m OK now but it’s shaken me and I’m much more careful in the sun. I strongly recommend that everyone protects their skin and sees a doctor as soon as possible if they notice potential symptoms.’
Furthermore, the new research revealed that one in nine adults in the UK have deliberately burnt their skin from either the sun or by using sunbeds – which have also been linked to causing melanoma.
Dr Thomas Carter, consultant medical oncologist at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in London, said: ‘Skin burning, whether deliberate or accidental, reflects a lack of awareness that needs urgent attention.
In the UK, the UV index can be deceptively high, and we’re seeing more men admitted to hospital with severe sunburn than women. This highlights the importance of encouraging everyone, particularly men, to take more care of their skin.
‘Sunscreen is a critical defence against skin cancer. Protecting skin from UV rays can and does save lives.’
