The Guardian view on skin cancer: fear the heat of the sun | Editorial
With melanoma cases rising, the UK must learn from public health campaigns elsewhere New climate risks bring with them new health risks. An exceptionally warm and dry summer in Europe meant that outdoor workers, and those who choose to spend leisure time in the sun, were confronted more directly than usual by the need to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as well as avoid…
Melanoma cases in the UK have surpassed 20,000 for the first time, highlighting the need for stronger public health measures, according to an editorial in The Guardian. The surge in diagnoses is attributed to an ageing population and a growing number of individuals, with one in three cancer patients in the UK being over 75. However, the NHS is struggling to manage the influx of patients seeking treatment, making behaviour change crucial in addressing this growing health concern.
The article emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially among outdoor workers and those who frequently engage in sun-related activities during warm and dry summers. While the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are less dangerous, melanoma remains the fifth most common cancer in the UK.
Calls for action have been mounting, with MPs proposing a ban on sunbed advertising and experts advocating for a complete ban on their commercial use, as seen in Australia and Brazil. The editorial urges the UK to learn from public health campaigns in other countries and implement measures to change behaviour and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
