Young Adults Lacking Sunburn Concerns

A new survey has highlighted worrying ignorance of the dangers of sunburn.

The Daily Mail shared results from a survey by Well Pharmacy, which showed concerning attitudes and lack of understanding among 18 to 24-year-olds about the dangers of UV exposure among young adults.

18 to 24-year-olds are commonly described as ‘Gen Z’ are the first generation that has grown up with access to the internet and smartphones. Yet despite easy access to online information, the survey found:

31% of said ‘a bit of sunburn is fine’ while on holiday
18% said red skin is OK because it ‘browns eventually’
17% only apply sun cream on holiday ‘when they remember’
15% believed getting burnt was ‘part of being on holiday’
62% had been sunburnt at least once in the last year
11% had been to hospital at least once due to sunburn

The study suggests that older generations are more informed about the dangers of the sun and concerned to protect themselves from its harmful rays. Among those aged 55 or over,

Over half said sunburn on holiday was ‘unacceptable’
42% never get burned
12% get annoyed if they miss a spot with the sun cream.
20% had been sunburnt in the last year

George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent from Well Pharmacy said:

“Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Seeking shade and wearing protective clothing and hats are also essential sun-safety measures.”

Rising Melanoma Trends

The news is especially concerning as rates of skin cancer, which is often caused by sun exposure, have risen by almost a third in a decade. Experts are warning that melanoma skin cancer cases are expected to reach a new high this year.

Dr Claire Knight, of Cancer Research UK, told the Daily Mail:

“Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer. Whether you are abroad or here at home, it’s important to protect yourself.”

Evidence suggests that skin cancer can take many years to appear, so although the older generations are now more sun-savvy now, they are are also seeing higher rates of skin cancer relating to sun damage from decades ago, when overseas travel became more popular and sunscreen was of a much lower SPF. ‘Tropical’ sun oils were often below SPF 10 and nowadays SPF 30 is a minimum with SPF50 a common choice.

Cancer Research UK say that almost 9 out of 10 melanoma cases are caused by excess UV rays, so the disease is preventable.

That’s why the more carefree attitudes of the younger generation are so alarming.

This information was first shared in the Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13560499/Shock-study-reveals-80-Gen-Z-holidaymakers-think-fine-sunburnt-holiday-despite-melanoma-diagnoses-expected-soar-20-800-UK-year.html

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That’s why it’s so important to self-check moles on a regular basis, so that you can spot any changes or new moles early. If in doubt, see a GP in the first instance. They’ll either put your mind at rest or arrange a referral to a dermatologist.

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