Cancer Research warning as Doncaster people more likely to take less sun care in UK

As temperatures are due to be hotter than average for the rest of August and more people might be heading outside, adults in Yorkshire and the Humber are being urged to enjoy the warm weather safely as new figures reveal around a third (32%) say they are more likely to protect their skin abroad than in the UK.

According to the YouGov survey, which asked people in the region about their behaviour in the sun, almost a fifth of adults (18%) said they are planning to spend more time outside in the sun in the UK this year compared to a usual summer. And with almost a third (29%) saying they’ve been sunburnt in the UK over the last 12 months, being safe in the sun is vitally important.

The figures have been released as part of Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun’s partnership, which offers advice to make sure everyone enjoys the summer safely. Whether on holiday or doing everyday activities, it’s important to protect skin by covering up, seeking shade and regularly applying sunscreen.

The importance of this is underlined by the survey results. Whilst encouragingly more than three quarters (77%) said they would protect themselves from the sun when going to the beach on a sunny day in the UK, this figure drops markedly for other outdoor activities. More than 4 in 10 (44%) say they would protect themselves from the sun whilst eating outside at a restaurant or pub and this figure further decreases to 41% when exercising outside.

And when it comes to working from home outdoors, 38% said they would protect themselves from the sun.

When asked about their sun protection habits, more than a third (35%) of people in Yorkshire and the Humber said they thought sunscreen is enough protection from the sun when in the UK. Almost half (47%) say they wear a hat and more than half (54%) wear a top that covers shoulders. Seeking shade, covering up with clothes and regularly applying sunscreen, particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm in the UK when the sun is strongest, is the best way to protect skin from the sun’s rays. This minimises the risk of lasting damage to DNA in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer.

Karis Betts, health information manager at Cancer Research UK advises: “Whether you are on a staycation or just heading outside for a walk or a picnic, it’s important to remember the sun isn’t only strong abroad – it can be strong enough in Yorkshire and across the UK to cause damage too.

“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.

“That’s why it’s so important that everyone remembers to protect themselves this summer. 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.

“Whatever you are doing, remember the three-step method to enjoy the warm weather safely – cover up, seek shade and regularly apply sunscreen.”

Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN have created easy-to-remember advice on how to stay safe when the sun is strong this summer:

Seek shade between the hours of 11am-3pm in the UK

Cover up with clothing

Wear a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses

Apply sunscreen

Regularly and generously apply one with at least SPF 15 and 4 or more stars

For more information and tips on sun safety visit cruk.org/sunsafety.