The move, called for by skin cancer charity Melanoma Focus, could also save over 300 UK lives per year.
Research published today, commissioned by the charity Melanoma Focus, has found that cutting VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could reduce skin cancer incidence and save the NHS over £128 million annually in treatment costs. These savings for the public sector would, from one year, outweigh the annual revenue lost from VAT on sunscreen which currently stands at £67 million.
The research, carried out by Alma Economics, estimates that in addition to the financial benefits, removing sunscreen VAT could prevent 2,500 – 3,200 cases of melanoma skin cancer annually over the next decade and save over 300 lives per year.
Melanoma Focus, alongside other skin cancer charities, is calling on the government to cut VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen products to make them more affordable, encourage usage and, ultimately, reduce skin cancer cases.
Melanoma skin cancer is becoming more common in the UK and researchers have projected a record high of 20,800 cases this year. This is expected to rise to 27,000 by 2040. Treatments, particularly if caught early, can be very effective, but the average cost for a patient diagnosed with an early stage melanoma is approximately £9,000 and significantly exceeds £200,000 for patients diagnosed with a melanoma that has spread to other organs in the body.
Because of the rising skin cancer prevalence, today’s economic research has further projected that by 2033, the NHS treatment cost savings resulting from the zero-rate VAT on sunscreen will nearly double the loss in tax revenue (£193 million vs. £79 million with a “Return on Investment” of £2.40).
An additional UK-wide survey carried out by Melanoma Focus this year found that nearly half (45%) of UK adults think sunscreen is too expensive and most (60%) would use it more if it were cheaper. The survey also found that 10-15% of people don’t use it at all because of the cost and 82% think VAT should be removed from sunscreen. 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases can be prevented by sun protection measures including using high factor sunscreen.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said:
“Removing VAT from sunscreen is imperative, backed by compelling evidence that it will not only protect lives but also create substantial cost savings for the NHS.
“Melanoma can be deadly and it’s on the rise in the UK. We’ve reached the point that more people are dying from melanoma here than in Australia.
“Sunscreen is a key tool in preventing skin cancer as well as covering up, staying out of the sun during the heat of the day and avoiding the use of sunbeds. But, with continued pressures on household budgets, many people are struggling to afford this essential product.”
Professor Adele Green, Honorary Professor at the University of Manchester and Emeritus Fellow at the QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane, Australia, said:
“Unlike many cancers, we know how to prevent melanoma and the other more common skin cancers. It’s by simple sun protection measures, like wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.
“This report from Melanoma Focus shows that zero VAT on sunscreen in the UK would quickly result in a Win-Win situation: fewer patients with serious melanoma, and major savings for the NHS. Better still, the health and financial benefits would increase over time after VAT is removed.”
Professor Catherine Harwood, Consultant Dermatologist and Melanoma Focus Trustee said:
“Melanoma is a highly preventable cancer but we’re seeing rates continue to rise alarmingly in the UK.
“It’s clear from this research that removal of VAT from sunscreen has the potential to result in significant benefits for public health through skin cancer prevention and this would help alleviate pressures on the NHS.”
Campaign Collective is a campaign partner to Melanoma Focus