Sun Awareness Week

It is Sun Awareness Week

The British Association of Dermatologists is running a campaign to mark Sun Awareness Week, raising awareness around sun protection and skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the UK to date.

The event, which runs from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th May marks the start of a summer-long campaign to provide people with information so they can practice sun safety with provides advice on prevention as well as early detection.
The British Association of Dermatologists said: ‘Brits love their sunshine – 76% of people claim they’d spend some time in the sun on a sunny day if they’re not working, and 29% would aim to sunbathe at least some of the time, with 7% saying that they would sunbathe as much as possible.

‘Another interesting number? 33% of people surveyed said they deliberately tried to develop a suntan through exposure to the sun last year. Reasons for it ranged from thinking it made them appear healthy to wanting to look like they’d been on holiday.
40% of people in the UK reported AT LEAST one case of sunburn in 2022 rising to over 50% in younger age groups.

So, what’s the concern? Well, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and cases continue to rise. Excessive sun exposure, tanning, and sunburns all contribute to an increased risk of developing the disease.’

To find out more and get further facts on being safe in the sun visit the Skin Health website

Published: May 2, 2023