Britons still burning despite skin cancer risk

Eighty per cent of people in the UK admit to getting sunburnt, despite almost three quarters knowing that it could lead to skin cancer.

These statistics have been released by Cancer Research UK as it launches its 2005 SunSmart campaign. The initiative, commissioned by the UK’s Departments of Health, aims to raise awareness of how to be safer in the sun and protect against skin cancer.

Only 20 per cent of people questioned in the national survey* of 4,000 people claim they have never been burnt.

Manager of Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign, Jo Viner Smith, says: “These results are quite alarming. It’s great that such a high percentage of people are aware of the dangers of getting sunburnt, but extremely worrying that they are ignoring the risks. Fair-skinned people can burn in as little as 15 minutes on a UK summer day. With an estimated 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year, it’s crucial to cover up when in the sun, and to avoid getting burnt.”

This year, the SunSmart campaign is focusing on young people. The majority of lifetime exposure to UV rays happens by the age of 20 so it is vital to get the message across to those at risk. Evidence suggests that a history of sunburn in childhood can double the chance of getting skin cancer in later years.

Malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is the third most common cancer in those aged 15-39. However 80 per cent of cases are preventable by taking a few simple precautions when in the sun.

Jo Viner Smith adds: “For the British, exposure to the sun can be particularly dangerous as it often takes place in short, intense periods during a summer holiday abroad or a bout of hot weather at home. These short bursts of intense sunshine are closely associated with malignant melanoma.

“The trouble is, because there’s an unhealthy belief that having a tan is a way to look good, some people binge bathe whenever there’s a hint of sunshine – and end up doing untold damage to their skin.”

The campaign is being supported by celebrities from the world of music and sport, including Holly Valance, Blazin’ Squad, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie, cricketer Andrew Strauss and the England Rugby Sevens team.

Sophie Ellis Bextor says: “I'm so pleased to be supporting Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign. I stay out of the sun to keep my fair skin blotch and wrinkle free, and as a new mum I will be taking extra precautions to keep Sonny protected. I want him to enjoy the warmth and fresh air outside, but he'll be safely under a sun umbrella with a t-shirt and hat on because I know babies’ skin burns easily.

“Getting sunburnt when you're young, even just once, can lead to skin cancer in later life so it's very important that parents and young people are aware of this and remember how to stay SunSmart.”

You can still enjoy being outside this summer, without risking your health, by following the SunSmart code:

• Stay in the shade 11-3
• The summer sun is most dangerous in the middle of the day – find shade under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors
• Make sure you never burn
• Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer
• Always cover up
• Sunscreen is not enough – wear a t-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses (eyes get sun damaged too)
• Remember to take extra care with children
• Young skin is delicate. Keep babies in the shade, especially around midday
• Then use factor 15+ sunscreen
• Apply sunscreen generously 15-30 minutes before you go outside (it doesn’t work immediately) and reapply often

More Information:

• Cancer Research UK website