Skin cancer warning after 150% rise in UK aim of the UV index is to urge people to deaths since 1970s The change their behaviour to protect themselves
Britons have been urged to take care in the against the risks of skin cancer and skin sun after a dramatic rise in skin cancer deaths damage. Cancer Research UK has now in the UK. issued advice on how to protect against skin cancer: Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that in the early 1970s, 1.5 people out of • Seek shade when the sun is at its hottest every 100,000 died of skin cancer. - between 11am and 3pm in the UK By 2017 this was 3.8 per 100,000 - a rise of 153% - with 2,357 deaths in the UK attributed • Cover up with T-shirts, hats and sunto skin cancer. glasses Cancer Research UK said the increase in skin • Regular use of an SPF15 sun cream cancer deaths was greatest among men, with which has four or more stars to indicate their rates now three times higher than in the the level of UVA protection 1970s. Michelle Mitchell, the charity’s chief execuSkin cancer is the fifth most common cancer tive, said: “There are many benefits to going in the UK, with more than 16,000 people outside, felt now more than ever because of diagnosed each year, but nine in 10 cases are sustained periods of lockdown. But something caught early, the charity added. we should all be aware of is sun safety and how to reduce our risk of melanoma. It has warned the vast majority of cases are linked to too much sun or using sunbeds. “Even though many summer holidays on beaches abroad have come to a halt, you can This year the UK has seen UV levels which still get burnt in the UK sun. have been among its highest ever recorded. According to the Met Office’s website, the UV “With rates rising, it’s never been more index “does not exceed eight in the UK” - but important to stay safe in the sun and contact level nine was predicted in parts of the South your GP if you notice any unusual change to West in June. your skin.”
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