Two-fifths of Britons sunburn on purpose to get ‘deeper’ tan
Two-fifths of people (40%) say they burn their skin in the sun on purpose to ‘deepen’ a tan, according to new research by Macmillan Cancer Support. This is despite the fact that getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of skin cancer (melanoma).
The number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, in the UK is on the rise with around 35 people being diagnosed every day.
Judy Duddridge, 45, Cambridgeshire, skin cancer survivor, says:
‘I spent many years living in Dubai so I was always in and out of the sun with little protection. I was very unaware of the damage that too much sun and getting burnt could do. I thought I was just living my life normally. ‘My cancer was between my eyebrows and left me with a nasty scar and made me self-conscious. It’s so important to be sun aware, never to burn and always wear and top up with sunscreen.’
Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist on the Macmillan Support Line, says:
‘This new research shows that despite being aware of the health risks people are still burning themselves in the sun in order to get a tan. As we start to look forward to summer after one of the coldest winters yet, it is alarming that staying safe in the sun is not a priority for many people.’
Malignant melanoma can be just as fatal as some other cancers
‘Sunburn will cause serious damage to your skin which can lead to cancer. It is vital to protect your skin when out in the sun by using sun tan lotion, wearing sun protective clothing (including hats and sunglasses) or staying in the shade between the hours of 11am and 3pm.’