Skin cancer experts are sounding the alarm as over a third of Scots aren't applying sunscreen in their home country, according to new research.
Factors like age and genetics can play a role in skin cancer risks, but its main trigger is UV light. This type of light present in tanning beds and sun rays, but it doesn't take a heatwave for them to shine through.
UV light can also travel in dull conditions and even through light cloud cover, so it's important to wear it at home as well as abroad. The warning comes after a Melanoma Focus survey showed that 35 percent of Scots rarely or never use sunscreen when in the UK, with only 15 per cent always using it.
The survey also found that that 31 percent of people in Scotland have used sunbeds, even though they're a major trigger for the disease.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and in the top five most common cancers, with one in 36 men and one in 47 women in the UK diagnosed in their lifetime. It kills around 2,333 people per year, but experts say 86 per cent of cases are preventable.
When asked why participants don’t use sunscreen the majority said it’s because they don't expect to burn, despite 44 per cent of Scots reporting they get sunburned at least once per year.
Over the last decade, melanoma incidence rates have increased by around 32 per cent in the UK. Rates in women have jumped by more than a quarter, while male cases have risen by 38 per cent.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: “About 200 people die from melanoma every year in Scotland and more people die from melanoma across the UK than in Australia. The fact that people are continuing to ignore the warnings and not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from skin cancer is concerning.
“About nine in 10 melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable and it is vital that people take the warnings about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and the dangers of sunbed use seriously.
“Sunbeds can be incredibly dangerous and it’s concerning that their use is so popular in the UK. The best way to protect yourself from the dangers of sunbeds is to avoid them altogether and use high-factor sun protection, along with seeking shade and wearing a hat when in the sun.”
Regular application of sunscreen is one of the most important steps in lowering chances of getting any form of skin cancer.
Surgeon Dr Antony Nahkla previously shared his expert tips on how to use it to stay protected - including the exact time to apply sunscreen before stepping out for maximum benefits.
Melanoma spots come in many shapes and sizes - the main being a dark, raised bum with misshapen edges. They can emerge on areas exposed to sunlight and several unexpected places, like inside the ear.
When checking for melanomas, health officials recommend following the "ABCDE" checklist to help specify whether a mole is normal or cancerous - Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolving (changing shape). If any of these characteristics begin to change, it's best to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
It is also wise to keep a note of any new moles that appear, so any developments can be quickly spotted.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
