More than half of Brits wouldn’t be concerned by changes to their skin – despite the risk of skin cancer
Nearly half of Brits aren’t confident they could spot the signs of possible skin cancer, with a quarter (24%) unaware changes in an existing mole could be an early indicator. One in four (26%) also don’t see a new mole, lump, spot or rough patch of skin as being something to look out for, while 53% wouldn’t be alarmed by a patch of skin which is itchy or sore.
As the UK prepares for a week-long heatwave, a study of 2,000 adults found one in five consider sunburn to be a necessary part of getting a tan – despite the skin cancer risks.
Two in five (41%) admitted they purposely sit in the sun without protection to get a bronzed glow.
And worryingly, one in five (19%) have been so seriously burned, they have had to seek medical advice or treatment, with 23% of those going as far as needing to visit hospital.
But while 58% of those who have burned said they simply forgot to apply sun cream or lost track of how long they had been in the sun, 44% were caught out by the sun’s strength.
It also emerged 38% of those who have burned previously don’t worry about the impact it can have on their chances of developing skin cancer.
Of those, 23% feel it’s not something they need to be concerned about as they only burn occasionally, and 10% don’t believe the UK sun is strong enough to cause the disease.
Despite Bupa advice recommending you check for new moles, or changes to existing ones at least once a month, only 36% of all adults do this, and a quarter have never checked, according to the OnePoll figures.
The study was commissioned by Bupa, which has launched an AI integrated at home skin assessment service to check moles and skin lesions potentially linked to skin cancer, providing accurate results in minutes.
Dr Woodman added: “Melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, yet an estimated 86% of cases are preventable.
“Checking your skin for new moles or lesions, or changes to existing ones, at least once a month will help you to spot signs of potential cancer early.
“If you notice anything unusual, like a mole changing in size, shape or colour, seek medical advice as soon as possible.”
The study found the face (43%) is the area most likely to be burned from time in the sun, followed by shoulders (38%), arms (33%) and scalps (20%).
People in Coventry get caught out the most, with 47% of residents always or often burning during a typical summer – more than twice the national average of just 18%.
Two thirds (67%) of those in the Midlands city – more than anywhere else in the UK – also choose to forgo sunscreen as they believe it would increase their chances of getting a tan.
Belfast came second, with a quarter of residents usually burning during the summer months, followed by Liverpool, Birmingham and Edinburgh (all 24%).
But Sheffield was found to be home to the most sun-conscious residents, with just 8% tending to burn over a typical summer.
Tim Woodman, medical director for policy and cancer services at Bupa UK Insurance, said: “Many people underestimate the strength of the UK sun and the seriousness of sunburn, enjoying heatwaves and sunny spells without prioritising skin protection.
“However, UV damage can build up over time and can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
“That’s why it’s crucial to protect yourself from the sun and wear sunscreen, even on cooler or cloudy days.”
Cities where residents burn the most when out in the sun:
- Coventry
- Belfast
- Liverpool
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Cardiff
- Leeds
- Brighton and Hove
- Leicester
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Bristol
- Glasgow
- Sheffield