Cancer Research UK is launching a new campaign called ‘Own Your Own Tone’ encouraging young people to protect their skin this Bank Holiday.
Forecasters are predicting warm sunshine but with clouds for the north west, meaning temperatures may be high without people noticing.
Health experts are warning everyone to wear suncream where possible, even if the sun isn’t shining,
The campaign challenges the belief that having a suntan is healthy and beautiful.
Instead it encourages people to embrace their natural skin colour and guard it from the aging effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Greater Manchester, said: “Whatever your age, it’s vital to take good care of your skin in the sun.
“We are launching this campaign to encourage young people, in particular, to own their natural skin tone rather than risk their health to get a suntan.
“Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age so we are urging people to take steps to protect themselves when out in the sun. The best way to do this is use a combination of shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen.
“A common misconception is that a tan is a sign of health.
“The reality is far from true. Damage from the sun’s UV rays builds up over time and we know that young people in particular are less likely to worry now about the long term impact on their looks and wellbeing.
“People who regularly expose their skin to strong sun are more likely to experience coarse, leathery and wrinkled skin from a younger age as well as increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.”
Every year in the North West around 1,600 people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma*, the most serious type of skin cancer, and around 230 people die from the disease.
Malignant melanoma is the second most common cancer in young adults in the UK and kills around 60 young adults (age 15-34) every year.
Skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to UV rays, which come from the sun and sunbeds and damages the DNA in skin cells.
More than 8 in 10 cases of malignant melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – could be prevented through enjoying the sun safely and preventing sunburn.
Sarah Williams, Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the good weather this summer while taking care not to redden or burn.
“Far from being a sign of health, a suntan is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself. Burning is painful and unsightly but it’s also a clear sign that the DNA in skin cells has been damaged.
“It’s easier than you might think to get sunburnt in the UK, even when you’re not actually sunbathing. So when the sun is strong, spend time in the shade, cover up with clothing, and use plenty of sunscreen to protect the parts you can’t cover.”
