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Wellbeing and health promotionOccupational Health

One in three do not use sun protection in UK

by Ashleigh Webber 2 Aug 2021
by Ashleigh Webber 2 Aug 2021 Shutterstock
Shutterstock

A third of UK adults admit they typically neglect to protect themselves from the sun whilst in their garden or outside space.

This is according to research from Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun, which have encouraged people to protect themselves while outside, as more people plan to go on holiday in the UK or spend more time in the sun this summer.

They commissioned a YouGov survey of 4,442 UK adults about their behaviour in the sun and found that:

  • a third of adults said they were more likely to protect their skin from the sun when abroad than when in the UK
  • almost a third have been sunburnt in the UK over the past 12 months
  • a quarter of men do not apply sunscreen before going out in the sun when in the UK
  • a fifth planned to spend more time outside in the sun this year.

Karis Betts, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said people should take three steps to enjoy sunny weather safely: cover up, seek shade and regularly apply sunscreen.

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“It’s important to remember the sun isn’t only strong abroad – it can be strong enough in the UK to cause damage too,” she said. “Even if it doesn’t feel that warm, or it’s a cloudy day, it’s still possible to get burnt; a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged.

“Much of this damage gets repaired, but the body isn’t perfect, and some can get left behind. Over time, damage can build up and eventually lead to skin cancer.

“Avoid getting caught out by checking the UV index on the weather forecast or online. If it’s 3 or above it’s time to think about sun safety – especially if you have light or fair coloured skin or burn easily.”

Ashleigh Webber
Ashleigh Webber

Ashleigh is editor at OHW+ and HR and wellbeing editor at Personnel Today. Ashleigh's areas of interest include employee health and wellbeing, equality and inclusion and skills development. She has hosted many webinars for Personnel Today, on topics including employee retention, financial wellbeing and menopause support. Prior to joining Personnel Today in 2018, she covered the road transport sector for Commercial Motor and Motor Transport magazines, touching on some of the employment and wellbeing issues experienced by those in road haulage.

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