3 in 4 were sunburnt last year – doubling their skin cancer risk

THREE in four Britons suffered sunburn in the past year – which could have more than doubled their odds of skin cancer.

Many of us are ‘burying our heads in the sand’ over the threat posed by the country’s most common cancer, dermatologists warn.

A survey of more than 1,000 men and women showed 84 per cent were worried about the disease – yet a similar number, 72 per cent, admitted to having suffered sunburn in the last year.

Sunburn is of particular concern because the risk of malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is more than doubled in those who have suffered it, even just one time.

The warning comes as most parts of the country are set to enjoy a sunny Bank Holiday Monday today, with temperatures expected to climb to 19C (66F) in some parts.

Marco Petagna, a Met Office forecaster said: ‘Rain will be mainly confined to Shetland. But most of the rest of the UK will enjoy a lot of dry bright weather. Temperatures in the sunshine will be doing quite well.’ The British Association of Dermatologists said many people are aware of the risks but this is not translating into a ‘culture of sun protection’. Reasons for this range from people believing they look better with a tan to thinking skin cancer ‘will never happen to them’.

A spokesman said: ‘Almost threequarters of people admitted they had been sunburned in the past year, which is shocking. With sunny days already making an appearance, it is likely this figure will remain high this year. People underestimate the damage sunburn can do and many think reddening is just a harmless part of the tanning process, rather than a sure sign you have damaged your skin irreparably.’

Malignant melanoma skin cancer is now five times more common than in the 1970s. There are now more than 13,000 cases and more than 2,000 deaths a year. The second type, non-melanoma-skin cancer, is much more common, with 250,000 cases a year and on the rise. It can be caused by long-term exposure to the sun and is more easily treated. However, it still kills more than 500 people a year and can be disfiguring.

The poll, to mark the start of Sun Awareness Week, found most people knew skin cancer is on the rise, but just 4 per cent check their skin once a month. Some 40 per cent said they never do so.

Signs of melanoma skin cancer include a mole that changes in size, shape or colour. The non-melanoma type usually starts as a lump, scaly patch or hard-to-heal sore.

Dermatologists advise seeking shade from 11am to 3pm, wearing a hat, and using sunscreen.

Charlotte Proby, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said the message is as valid to those enjoying the sun in British parks and gardens as it is on beach holidays abroad, adding: ‘Many people are aware of the dangers; however, this has yet to translate into a culture of sun protection.’

A fresh dose of rain will make an unwelcome comeback for the rest of this week, with showers and gales forecast for vast swathes of the UK from tomorrow. Mr Petagna said: ‘The message to people is to enjoy the nicer weather while they can.’