A concerning new survey reveals that one in nine UK adults have deliberately burned their skin in pursuit of a tan, despite the well-documented risks of skin cancer. The research, conducted by the charity Melanoma Focus, polled over 3,000 Britons and found that approximately 14% of adults have used sunbeds or sunbathed intentionally to cause sunburn.
Alarming Attitudes Towards Sunburn
The survey uncovered a range of misconceptions driving this behaviour. Nearly a third (28%) of respondents believe that burning will improve their tan, while 41% think it leads to a deeper colour. Some find sunburn attractive (8%), and others are influenced by social media (12%) or seek defined tan lines (16%). More than a quarter (26%) intentionally burn their skin more than three times a year, with 70% doing so roughly twice annually.
Deadly Consequences of Sunburn
Health experts warn that even a few instances of sunburn can have severe repercussions. According to Melanoma Focus, a single blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, stated: "It is alarming to see that so many individuals are putting themselves at serious risk by deliberately burning their skin, and overlooking the vital importance of sun protection. Melanoma skin cancer is extremely serious and five or more sunburns over your lifetime can double your risk of developing this potentially deadly disease."
Melanoma in the UK
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the country, with around 19,400 new cases diagnosed annually. It is also the deadliest form of skin cancer, causing approximately 2,600 deaths each year in the UK. Despite these statistics, the survey found that 35% of respondents never use sunscreen during UK summer months, a figure that rises to 41% among men.
Personal Stories and Expert Warnings
Darren Barker, a 48-year-old skin cancer sufferer from London, shared his experience. Diagnosed with melanoma in 2023 after noticing a change in a mole on his leg, he said: "I had a few sunburns in my life even though I didn't travel abroad much. The diagnosis made me realise how fragile the skin is." Dr Thomas Carter, consultant medical oncologist at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, urged the public to take sun protection seriously: "Skin burning, whether deliberate or accidental, reflects a lack of awareness that needs urgent attention. In the UK, the UV index can be deceptively high, and we're seeing more men admitted to hospital with severe sunburn than women. Everyone, particularly men, should take care of their skin and wear sunscreen."
