A new study has identified Coventry as the UK's 'sunburn capital', with nearly half of its residents reporting they always or often burn during a typical summer day. This figure, at 47%, is more than double the national average of 18%. The findings come as the UK braces for a rare red alert heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C this week, potentially making it the hottest June day on record.
Survey Reveals Tanning Attitudes
Commissioned by Bupa, the survey of 2,000 adults found that one in five people consider a sunburn a necessary part of getting a tan. In Coventry, two-thirds (67%) of residents admit to skipping sun cream to boost their chances of tanning, the highest proportion in any UK city.
Belfast ranked second, with a quarter of residents usually burning during summer, followed by Liverpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, all at 24%. At the other end of the scale, Sheffield emerged as the most sun-conscious city, with only 8% of residents tending to burn.
Health Risks and Sun Protection
Tim Woodman, medical director for policy and cancer services at Bupa UK Insurance, warned: “Many people underestimate the strength of the UK sun and the seriousness of sunburn, enjoying heatwaves and sunny spells without prioritising skin protection. UV damage can build up over time and can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to protect yourself from the sun and wear sunscreen, even on cooler or cloudy days.”
The study also identified the most commonly sunburned body parts: the face (43%), shoulders (38%), arms (33%), and scalp (20%). Nearly six in ten (58%) of those who have burned simply forgot to apply sun cream or lost track of time, while 44% did not expect the sun's rays to be so strong.
Medical Attention and Skin Cancer Awareness
Alarmingly, one in five (19%) adults have required medical advice or treatment after severe sunburn, with 23% of those visiting a minor injuries unit or A&E. Despite this, 38% of those who have burned previously do not worry about the impact on their skin cancer risk. One in ten believe the UK sun is not strong enough to cause skin cancer.
The research also highlighted a lack of confidence in spotting skin cancer signs: 46% are not confident they could identify possible symptoms, and 24% are unaware that changes in an existing mole could be an early indicator. Only 36% of adults check their skin monthly for new or changing moles, and a quarter have never checked their skin.
Bupa Launches AI Skin Assessment Service
In response to these findings, Bupa has launched an AI-integrated at-home skin assessment service that checks moles and skin lesions for potential skin cancer, providing results in minutes. Dr. Woodman added: “Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, yet an estimated 86% of cases are preventable. Checking your skin for new moles or lesions, or changes to existing ones, at least once a month will help you to spot signs of potential cancer early.”
The full list of cities where residents burn the most, from highest to lowest, is: Coventry, Belfast, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, Brighton and Hove, Leicester, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow, and Sheffield.
