Ahead of the sunny weather predicted for the May bank holiday weekend, skin cancer experts are concerned about the potential surge in sunburns.
New data published on 1 May by the charity Melanoma Focus show an alarming 49% of British people suffer from sunburn at least once every year. This rises to 65% for 18-32 year olds.
As melanoma skin cancer rates continue to climb in the UK, the implications of these findings are significant. There are around 17,500 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year and it is the 5th most common cancer in the country. One1 in 35 men and one1 in 41 women in the UK will now be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime.
Melanoma is considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it has the highest mortality rate, and deaths from melanoma are projected to continue to rise.
Notably, the survey also found that 36% of British people rarely or never apply sunscreen when in the UK during the summer months (May to September) and this increased to 42% of men.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said:
“This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so burning every year has potentially long-term dangerous consequences. Nearly 9 in 10 melanomas are preventable yet the UK has more deaths from melanoma per year than Australia. It is essential that everyone understands the risks associated with sunburn and prioritises sun protection by using factor 30+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade and covering up in the heat of the day.”
Hannah Lowery, age 32 from Redcar in Yorkshire, was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in July 2024. She said:
“When I was younger we didn’t have so much awareness of the risks of skin cancer. My parents were strict about me wearing sunscreen when we were abroad but, as a teenager, I didn’t use it in the UK and I used to burn quite a lot.
“Last year I went to my GP because I had two moles on my neck which I noticed had changed shape. I was sent for an urgent referral and it turned out I had melanoma and both moles had to be removed. I was very lucky that the melanoma hadn’t spread but it was a terrifying experience. I was only 31 and I had a two year old son. It’s really not worth it for a tan.”
Professor Catherine Harwood, Consultant Dermatologist and Melanoma Focus Trustee said:
“Sunburn significantly increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life. The fact that so many people are burning their skin and not using sunscreen regularly is concerning. With the number of cases of melanoma on the rise in the UK, it is more important than ever for the public to take preventive measures.”
The survey also revealed that 56% of respondents would be more likely to use sunscreen regularly if it was 20% cheaper and 77% think sunscreen should be exempt from VAT. Of those who say they don’t wear sunscreen in the UK in the summer months, 8% said it was because it was too expensive.
Melanoma Focus is calling for the UK Government to prioritise melanoma in the new Cancer Plan it is developing for England, as well as abolishing VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable to everyone and reduce cases of melanoma skin cancer.
86% of melanomas are preventable by protecting your skin from harmful rays. Visit Melanoma Focus for advice about how to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Campaign Collective is a campaign partner to Melanoma Focus