Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and it’s a growing problem. Here’s how to protect your skin and reduce your risk.
Every year more than 75,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the UK, and around 2,300 people die from the condition. Skin cancers are caused by damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, and protecting the skin from the sun can help prevent these cancers.
How does the sun damage skin?
UV rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage cells, which are then at risk of becoming cancerous. You can’t feel UV damaging your skin, and it happens even when the sun doesn’t feel hot.
Getting sunburnt causes the top layers of skin to release chemicals that make blood vessels swell and leak fluids. Skin turns red and feels hot and painful, and severe sunburn can lead to swelling and blisters.
“Sunburn is dangerous at any age, but it's especially harmful in children and young people,” says Katy Scammell of Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign. “Sunburn in childhood can greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer later on in life.”
After you've been sunburnt, the skin peels to get rid of damaged cells. Eventually it will heal and look healthy, but you may have already done permanent damage. Some experts believe that just one episode of blistering sunburn before the age of 20 can double your chance of getting malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Who's at risk?
Skin cancer can affect anyone, but people most at risk have:
- Fair skin that burns in strong sun.
- Red or fair hair.
- A lot of moles or freckles.
- A personal or family history of skin cancer.
- Already had sunburn, especially when young.
People with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer as darker skin has some protection against UV rays, but skin cancer can still occur.
Be safe in the sun
Sun damage isn’t limited to holidays in the sun. It can happen when you’re not expecting it, for example, going for a walk or sitting in your garden.
“Sun protection is something you need to be aware of every day in the summer,” says Scammell. “Whether on holiday or at home, you can protect yourself by following our SunSmart messages.” These are:
Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
Make sure you never burn.
Aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
Remember to take extra care with children.
Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.
Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths to your doctor.
Always take special care of children’s skin. The best way to do this is to cover them up and keep them in the shade.
Sunbeds are not safe
Sunbeds aren't a safe alternative to lying outside in the sun. Skin will still be exposed to harmful UV rays, which can cause cancer. “Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases your risk of skin cancer by up to 75%,” says Scammell. “Sunbeds also accelerate the skin’s natural ageing process.”
Watch the video
Skin cancer expert Barry Powell talks about the increase of the skin cancer malignant melanoma in the UK, who's most at risk and the symptoms to look out for.
