An alarming new survey conducted for the charity Melanoma Focus reveals that 1 in 9 UK adults have deliberately burnt their skin, ignoring the serious and potentially deadly consequences of UV exposure.
The survey also found that 35% of respondents never use sunscreen in the UK during the summer months – a figure that rises to 41% among men. Additionally, 25% of UK adults have never heard of the UV index, and less than half (43%) understand what it is. 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. These statistics highlight a concerning gap in knowledge about sun safety and skin health.
The findings are worrying for skin cancer experts who remind the public that 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 7 every day.
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.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said:
“It is alarming to see that so many individuals are putting themselves at serious risk by deliberately 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 potentially deadly disease. Despite this, nearly 9 in 10 melanoma cases are preventable, making awareness and protection absolutely essential.
“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. These sun safe practices are important when the UV index (found on weather apps) is moderate or 3 or above.”
Darren Barker, aged 48 and from London, was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in 2023. He said:
“Melanoma is more common than people might think. 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. 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.”
Dr Thomas Carter, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in North West 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.”
Visit Melanoma Focus for advice about how to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Campaign Collective is a campaign partner to Melanoma Focus.