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One in Ten Brits Ignore Cancer Risks and Don't Use Suncreen

As we head into half-term holidays and an anticipated ‘heatwave’, new research reveals that a shocking one in ten Brits do not use sunscreen at all – even on holiday abroad.
Health - 26 May 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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Many Britons are still not protecting their skin effectively, despite over 100,000 people being diagnosed with skin cancer in the UK each year1. Malignant melanomas are the least common but most serious type of skin cancer, with more than 11,000 cases diagnosed each year2. This figure, which is constantly rising, is set to double between 2000 and 2015 in countries where the majority of the population has white skin, according to a new report3, while it is also expected that further depletion of the ozone layer will cause more skin cancer cases in the future4.

Research has shown that one in 10 (13%) Brits are not using sunscreen at all, even on holiday abroad, and a quarter (26%) say they burnt their skin here last summer1. In the UK, UV radiation is most intense in summer from 11am to 3pm and it is recommended to limit exposure to the sun during these times2. Even on overcast skies, 30-40% of UV will still penetrate through cloud cover. For example, if half the sky is covered in clouds, 80% of UV still shines through5.

Over a third of male cases arising on the trunk of the body, particularly the back; while the most common site for females is on the legs. Latest statistics show that 6,183 cases of malignant melanoma were diagnosed in women and 5,584 in men in the UK2. Nearly half (47%) of men never use sun protection compared to one in five (19%) women. Furthermore, almost half of those who do not use sun protection believe that the sun ‘is not that strong' and cite this as their reason for not using it.

. Introduction:

As we head towards half-term and hopefully a heat wave, the spotlight – and dangerous UV rays – will be placed firmly on our skin. Even though it’s not quite summer yet, the sun can be dangerous for our skin all year round – evidenced by research that has revealed that the most common place for men to grow malignant melanoma is on the top of their right ears, with windows wound down while driving.

Latest figures show that there are more than 100,000 newly diagnosed cases of skin cancer every year, so what more do we need to do to make sure we protect ourselves from the sun?

Joining us to discuss this further is Abi Cleeve, a sun protection expert from Ultrasun.

. Suggested Questions:

What can you tell us about skin problems in our area?

Why do you think so many people are being diagnosed with skin cancer each year?

How do the different UV rays differ – and how can we protect ourselves against them both?

Why is it important to consider protection against the sun all year round?

Why advice would you give parents in particular, who are looking for the safest ways to protect their children?

Where is the most common place for people to suffer with dangerous sun burn and what should people look out for if they burn?

Where can our listeners find out more information?