Dan Burn, the boy from Blyth, is over in the States as England gears up for its first World Cup match this week. However, the Newcastle United defender is sending out a message to people as he trades guarding the back of the net for the back of the neck.
Partnering with Boots for Sun Safety
Partnering with Boots, he's helping raise awareness of one of the most commonly missed areas when applying sunscreen and encouraging better sun protection as he gears up to play in the sunny United States. He's doing this as he highlights one common area people neglect, the back of the neck.
New Research Reveals Shocking Statistics
New research from Boots, revealed today, found that 80% of adults have burnt the back of their neck in the past, with over one in five (21%) saying that it happens every year or more. 82% of those surveyed also admitted to not always applying sunscreen to their neck on a typical summer’s day, leaving them at greater risk of UV damage, sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer.
The campaign encourages people to think ‘Back of the Neck’ during this summer of football. It will also see Dan Burn defend against sun damage by changing his social media name to "Dan Won’t Burn" to help share the serious message with football fans this summer.
Serious Message for Men
While the slogans poke fun at the commonly missed area, it's important to be aware of just how dangerous sun exposure can be. With more than 9,000 men diagnosed with melanoma in England each year, it is an especially important message for men.
They are three times more likely to develop the disease on the neck and scalp than women, and account for around four-fifths of all new cases of melanoma diagnosed in that area each year. Yet, the new Boots research reveals that less than 10% of men surveyed believe it is necessary to wear sunscreen on a cloudy summer day, with only 33% seeing it as essential when playing or watching sport outdoors.
Dan Burn's Statement
Dan Burn spoke up as he seeks to help raise awareness, saying: "As a defender, I know how important it is to cover every angle, but I’ll admit the back of my neck isn’t always part of my game plan. It’s an easy area to miss, but one that’s vulnerable to sun damage."
"Whether I’m on the pitch or running around after the kids, I spend a lot of time outside, so it's something I know I need to take seriously. I’m proud to be teaming up with Boots this summer to help raise awareness of this important issue – be sure to think 'Back of the Neck!'"
Boots Offers Support and Services
To support customers alongside the important messages, Boots is offering 20% off the Mole Scanning Service, operated by Screen Cancer, until 19 July. The service, which provides an assessment of moles and pigmented lesions by a dermatology specialist and can help identify any that might be suspicious, can be booked on boots.com with appointments available at 135 Boots stores across the UK.
Customers can also access sun safety advice and guidance on their local high street through a team of over 8,000 specially trained Suncare Advisors available in over 1,000 Boots stores. In addition, until 19 July, Boots is donating 50p to Macmillan Cancer Support for every bottle of Soltan Clear & Cool Spray SPF50 100ml to help support valuable research into cancer.
Expert Advice
June Davis, Lead Allied Health Professional and Nursing Advisor from Macmillan Cancer Support, added: "If you’re enjoying the warmer weather, it’s worth remembering that the sun’s UV rays can be strong and exposure to them is the main cause of skin cancer. But taking these few simple steps can help you stay safe while making the most of it."
"For any unexplained skin changes like a new or changing mole, or an itch or sore that will not go away, it’s important to always speak to a GP to get checked. It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual, so you can check for any changes."
Clare O’Connor, Suncare Scientific Advisor at Boots, offers essential advice for covering up this Summer to stay safe: "When applying sunscreen, use a generous amount of high-factor, broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply every two hours and always after swimming. Alongside sunscreen, protect your skin by wearing a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses, and spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm."
