Imogen Calderwood
THE Spanish sun is one of the main factors being blamed for a massive surge in cases of skin cancer among Brits.
Package holidays are cited as one of the main reasons behind the dramatic increase in incidence of malignant melanoma, which has seen a 500% increase in just 40 years.
There are now more than 13,000 new cases each year of malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – compared to 1,800 in 1975, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.
Nick Ormiston-Smith, head of statistics at Cancer Research UK, has flagged the rise of package holidays to European destinations and sunbeds as the main reasons for the increase.
“Holidays in hot climates have become more affordable and sunbeds are now widely available since the 1970s,” he said.
“But we know over-exposure to UV (ultra-violet) rays from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer.
“This means, in many cases, the disease can be prevented, and is why it’s essential to get into good sun safety habits, whether at home or abroad,” he added.
The charity has released the shocking figures at the launch of a new campaign to encourage Brits to be safe in the sun this summer.
The campaign’s top tips are to avoid sunburn, to spend time in the shade, to cover up, and to wear sunscreen of at least factor 15.
“Everyone loves getting out and about and enjoying the summer sun,” said Caroline Cerny, the senior health campaigns manager at Cancer Research UK.
“It’s essential to take care not to burn – sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and, over time, this can lead to skin cancer.”
The rise in skincancer begun when companies startet promoting skincream..(wich is creating cancer and has anti inflamatoire stuff in it). And take Tjernobyll in the equation….
lack of vitamine D3 is a epidemic health crisis…and you get vitamine D3 from the sun , between 11.00 and 13.30 only…
The best way to protect your skin is…getting a tan.
and use the traditional tanning mix of olive oil , lemon juice and cold black tea . Mix it up in a bottle and pour it on . great tan no burning and natural .
I suspect many victims spend 50 weeks a year working in a stuffy office somewhere and weekends on the sofa….and then two weeks barbequeing themselves on the beach….The body needs exposure to the sun in moderation and tempered to the individual’s skin type, but complete absence during the year leading to a two week stint in a blast furnace is a recipe for disaster.