Following the sunniest spring on record and with the Met Office forecasting a hotter-than-average summer, many are embracing the sunshine without hesitation. However, this prolonged sun exposure conceals a serious risk: skin cancer.
Each year, approximately 17,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer, with an average of 2,341 fatalities recorded between 2017 and 2019. The good news is that 86% of these cases are preventable, primarily through smart sun safety practices, beginning with proper sunscreen use.
Dr. Alexis Missick, a GP with UK Meds, emphasizes the importance of correct sunscreen application to reduce skin cancer risk: “Apply generously and thoroughly, ensuring you cover commonly missed areas like your ears, nose, and scalp, which are particularly vulnerable to burning. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, as these actions diminish sunscreen effectiveness.”
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She also clarifies the meaning of SPF (Sun Protection Factor): “SPF indicates how much longer you can safely stay in the sun with protection. For instance, SPF 20 means you can stay 20 times longer than without sunscreen, while SPF 50 offers even higher protection.”
Adults should use about 30ml of sunscreen to cover the entire body and apply it 10 to 15 minutes before sun exposure, reapplying throughout the day. It’s also crucial to check the expiry date on your sunscreen to ensure its efficacy. When purchasing, look for sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Sun exposure is dangerous because the sun emits both UVA and UVB rays. UVB causes tanning and sunburn but can also lead to skin cancer and premature aging with excessive exposure. UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing long-term issues like pigmentation changes, wrinkles, and increased cancer risk.
Despite skin cancer being the most common cancer in the UK, many underestimate the dangers of sun exposure. Dr. Missick warns, “Spending excessive time in the sun without proper protection can cause irreversible damage—even on cloudy days. To protect your skin, seek shade during peak hours, wear protective clothing and hats, and never skip sunscreen.”
She urges people to remain vigilant for early signs of skin cancer, which include sore, red lumps, dark patches, new or changing moles, or moles that itch or become painful. Skin cancer can also develop in the eye, causing a thin layer of tissue to grow across the surface.
Dr. Missick advises that treatment will vary depending on the cancer’s location and severity, determined individually by medical professionals.