Sun, UV rays and cancer
Too much sun and using sunbeds can both increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
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Most skin cancer cases are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and, increasingly, from using sunbeds.
Each year, around 332,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer globally, and the numbers are growing. Melanoma is a rare but very serious type of skin cancer and is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. While the risk of melanoma increases as people get older, it’s also becoming more common in young people.
Our Cancer Prevention Recommendations
Our Cancer Prevention Recommendation is to avoid exposure to excess sun. Find out what else we recommend to reduce you and your family’s risk of cancer.
UVA, UVB sun rays and skin cancer
Most cases of skin cancer could be prevented by avoiding overexposure to UV rays. UVA and UVB are the main types of sun rays, and both can cause skin cancer by damaging the DNA in our skin cells.
It’s important to wear sunscreen with both SPF (sun protection factor) and UVA protection because SPF shields your skin from UVB rays, while UVA protection helps guard against deeper skin damage. As both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from both.
Some people are more at risk of the skin damage that leads to cancer than others, including:
- children
- people with pale skin that burns easily in the sun
- people with red or light-coloured hair
Anyone can get skin cancer, no matter their skin colour. However, if you have black or brown skin, you have a lower risk of skin cancer compared to people with pale skin.
Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. Getting burnt just once every 2 years can triple your risk of melanoma. If you’ve had sunburn in the past, you need to do more to protect your skin in the future.
Staying safe in the sun
You can safely enjoy the sun and protect your skin by following the tips below.
It’s still very important to protect your skin from the effects of sun exposure once you have a tan.
Injections like melanotan are illegal and unsafe, so it’s best to avoid these altogether.
1.
Limit your time in the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm during spring, summer and early autumn.
2.
Use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+ with at least 4-star UVA protection) and reapply it frequently.
3.
Wear a hat, sunglasses and clothes that cover your arms and legs.
4.
Avoid sunbeds and tanning booths. Applying fake tan is safer.
5.
Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight, as their skin is much more sensitive than adults.
More on skin cancer
Vitamin D
Your body produces vitamin D when sunlight hits your skin, usually after about 15 minutes. Vitamin D is essential for keeping your bones, teeth and muscles healthy. While some people can get enough vitamin D from safe sun exposure, it can be hard to meet your needs without sunlight, even with a healthy, balanced diet.
Foods that provide some vitamin D include:
- Oily fish
- Red meat
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Fortified foods (like spreads and breakfast cereals)
In the UK, adults and children over 1 year old should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU), especially during autumn and winter. People at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those with darker skin, older adults or those who spend most of their time indoors, should take a supplement all year round. Recommendations may differ in other countries.
Living with cancer
After a cancer diagnosis: follow our Recommendations, if you can. If you are living with or beyond cancer, we recommend that you avoid excess sun.
Preventing cancer. Saving lives
While society continues to search for a cure, our prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.