Brits Given Skin Cancer Warning Despite Damp Predictions for Bank Holiday
A skin cancer warning has been issued ahead of the bank holiday weekend, despite the expected drop in temperature. Melanoma Focus, a charity dedicated to skin cancer awareness, has urged Brits to take precautions such as using sunscreen, wearing a hat, and seeking shade to protect themselves against melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. In the UK, around 16,700 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year, with nine out of ten cases caused by excessive exposure to UV light from the sun or sunbeds.
Although the Met Office has predicted a mostly damp weekend with no signs of hot weather, the charity has cautioned that UV levels are still expected to be moderate or high. While signs of skin cancer can vary from mild to obvious, early detection is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of the spread or development of the disease.
Despite the anticipated rainy conditions on Saturday and Sunday, Brits are still at risk of UV exposure as they tend to spend more time outdoors during bank holiday weekends. Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, emphasizes the importance of practicing sun protection measures, including using high-factor sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing a hat when in the sun. She also stresses that the majority of melanoma cases are preventable and urges people to take the warnings seriously, particularly from May to October.
Melanoma is a deadly cancer, causing seven deaths each day in the UK, outnumbering the death toll in Australia. Recent research has shown a significant increase in the number of melanoma cases diagnosed in the UK, especially among young people. The main symptom of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or changes in existing ones. Professor Catherine Harwood, a consultant dermatologist at Barts Health and a trustee at Melanoma Focus, warns that sun exposure, especially in youth, can lead to permanent DNA damage, increasing the risk of developing melanoma. She advises wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and avoiding sun exposure during the peak hours of the day.
A survey conducted by the charity revealed that 32% of British people rarely or never use sunscreen while in the UK, with only 11% reporting consistent usage. The results also highlighted that males are particularly reluctant to use sunscreen, with 40% admitting to rarely or never using it. The majority of people cited not expecting to get sunburned in the UK as the reason for not wearing sunscreen. However, half of the respondents revealed that they experience sunburn at least once a year, rising to 71% among those aged 26 to 35.
Despite the recent glorious sunshine and warm weather, the forecast for the bank holiday weekend suggests mostly cloudy and rainy conditions across the country, with temperatures peaking at around 21°C.
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