Half of Britons Get Sunburnt

Almost half of Britons got sunburnt this year and many of them would risk burning again in order to get a tan, a new survey has revealed.

The research, commissioned by Superdrug and Cancer Research UK, found that 46 per cent of those surveyed got sunburnt this summer, with 32 per cent of those admitting that they do so in their pursuit of a tan. Half of those who got burned also admitted that they would risk it again next year in pursuit of that 'golden glow'.

However, Cancer Research UK warned that sunburn is a sign that skin cells have been seriously damaged by too much sun and this can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

The research found that even the unpleasant short-term side-effects of sunburn - such as red, peeling or blistering skin - haven't put people off their search for the perfect tan. In fact, 34 per cent of those who admitted to getting sunburnt this year said that while they would be 'a bit more careful' next year, they would still be prepared to risk sunburn for a tan. Thirty nine per cent of those who got burned also admitted that they burned every year.

The most common place that people got burnt this year was on their face with 40 per cent admitting that they were left red-faced after spending too long in the sun. This was followed by arms (39 per cent), shoulders (37 per cent) and neck (36 per cent).

The results also showed that two in three people got sunburnt when they were not even trying to get a tan. Forty-one percent said that they didn't realise the sun was strong enough to burn, while around a third admitted that they didn't take any steps to protect their skin.

Martin Crisp, Superdrug Superintendant Pharmacist, said: "What's particularly concerning is that people are setting out with the specific aim of getting sunburn because they see it as part of getting a tan. What they aren't realising is that there is more going on in the skin than what you see on the surface and, while the sunburn and tan may fade, the damage does not. Put simply, the more time people spend in the sun, the more damage they are doing to their skin, and they should seriously ask themselves whether it's a risk they're prepared to take."

Ed Yong, Head of Health Information at Cancer Research UK, said: "Sunburn is a clear sign that your skin has been damaged in ways that can lead to skin cancer, a disease that's affecting more and more people in the UK. While it's important to enjoy the sun safely to get enough Vitamin D, there are risks involved in long exposures. And these results indicate that people aren't taking these risks seriously enough. Getting painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Whether at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself."

More than 10,300 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the UK every year, and almost 2,000 people die from it. Anyone can develop skin cancer, but some people have a higher risk, including those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer.

Cancer Research UK warned that rates of malignant melanoma have risen faster than any other common cancer.

(KMcA/GK)