Skin cancer is on the rise
New research and figures show that lots of us are putting ourselves at risk of skin cancer by not protecting ourselves from sunburn while we try to get a good tan.
Why is skin cancer in the news?
Research carried out by Cancer Research UK has found that a shocking number of young people are not taking skin cancer risks seriously and that it's now the most common cancer among 15-34-year-olds.
According to Cancer Research, getting painful sunburn just once every 2 years can triple your risk of melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer.
They also surveyed over 1,000 people aged 16-24 and found that more than 1 in 4 are not likely to protect their skin this year and a similar number admitted to competing with their friends for a good tan.
Almost 1 in 3 were more worried about wrinkles than skin cancer and 8% even said that they saw burning as a key step to getting a tan.
As well as the information from this study, the government has just released figures that show skin cancer cases have doubled in the UK in the last 20 years.
Who does skin cancer affect?
Anyone can get it. Having fairer skin or lots of moles or freckles can mean you're at a higher risk, but people with dark skin can still get skin cancer.
Recent research has also shown that men are 10% less likely to survive skin cancer than women, possibly because they take their tops off in the sun and expose more skin, or because they're less likely to go to the doctor about a mole.
Get more information on men's health issues
Do sunbeds make a difference?
You can increase your chances of skin cancer by using a sunbed. Medical experts are currently urging the government to bring in laws on using sunbeds, which would include banning ones that are unmanned and coin-operated and limiting use of sunbeds to people over 18.
It's been estimated that more than 100 deaths a year in the UK occur from skin cancer linked to sunbed use.
How does skin cancer happen?
If your skin has gone red in the sun then it's burnt. It doesn't have to be raw or blistering.
Sunburn is when UV rays have damaged the DNA in your skin cells. This can cause them to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.
How can I protect myself?
The key is not to burn - so wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. You can also protect your skin by covering up with clothes, a hat and sunglasses and try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm - when UV rays are the strongest. Remember that sunburn can happen in the UK as well as on holiday!
What do the experts say?
Cancer Research UK spokesman, Ed Yong, says: 'Few people are aware that sun damage at a young age can make your skin look old, wrinkly and leathery well before its time.
'It can also dramatically increase the chances of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It's not just older people that are affected - increasingly we are seeing young people being diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease.'
Sources: Cancer Research UK, www.sunsmart.org.uk, BBC, Daily Mail
Last week's news: Work worries are causing us sleep problems
Where to next?
- A medical explanation of melanoma
- Sun protection advice for children
- The truth about sunbeds
By Katie McPhilimy
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Where to next?
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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
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How can I protect skin from the sun?
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How is melanoma assessed and staged
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Melanoma
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Melanoma (Malignant Melanoma)
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Staging of melanoma
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Sun and health
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Sun and Health: More help
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Sun and Health: Some things that you might not realise
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Understanding the skin
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What are cancer, skin cancer and tumours?
Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
Robin, 5 months
Did you ever think that maybe it's not the sun causing hte damage...but the sunscreen? There are many toxic ingredients in sunscreens today including many carcinogenic chemicals...while it is important not to get sunburned it is also important to use natural sunscreen and get your Vitamin D through healthy sunlight. Read my blog: http://www.toxicbeautyblog.com
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Gillian Nuttall, 5 months
We all know there is no such thing as a safe tan. I lost a dear friend last year to Malignant Melanoma, his death left so many utterly devastated. I formed www.factor50.org.uk in order to raise funds for research into this awful illness.
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