Overview

• Melanoma diagnoses in the UK have surged to 17,500 annually, making it the fifth most common cancer in the country.
• Research shows 49% of UK residents experience sunburn each year, with 36% rarely or never using sunscreen during summer months.
• More than five lifetime sunburns double the risk of developing melanoma, a largely preventable but highly deadly form of skin cancer.
• Public health experts urge consistent use of SPF 30+ sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade-seeking behaviors to reduce melanoma risk.
• Advocacy groups are pressing for policy changes, including removing VAT on high-factor sunscreens to make them more accessible.