Brits risk serious burns for a tan as extreme heatwave hits the UK

As the UK prepares for a week-long 34C heatwave which could result in the nation’s hottest ever June day this week, a study of 2,000 adults found one in five consider sunburn to be a necessary part of getting a tan – with 41% admitting to purposely sitting in the sun without protection to get a more bronzed look.

One in five Brits (19%) have been so seriously burned, they have had to seek medical help, with nearly a quarter (23%) of those going as far as visiting a minor injuries unit or even A&E.

But while 58% of those who have burned simply lost track of how long they had been in the sun or forgot to apply sun cream, four in 10 were caught out by the sun’s strong rays.

It also emerged 38% of those who have burned previously don’t worry about the impact it can have on their chances of developing skin cancer.

Of those, 23% feel it’s not something they need to be concerned about as they only burn occasionally, and 10% don’t believe the UK sun is strong enough to cause the disease.

The study was commissioned by Bupa, which has launched an AI integrated at home skin assessment service to check moles and skin lesions potentially linked to skin cancer, providing accurate results in minutes.

Tim Woodman, medical director for policy and cancer services at Bupa UK Insurance, said: “Many people underestimate the strength of the UK sun and the seriousness of sunburn, enjoying heatwaves and sunny spells without prioritising skin protection.

“However, UV damage can build up over time and can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to protect yourself from the sun and wear sunscreen, even on cooler or cloudy days.”

The study found the face (43%) is the area most likely to be burned from time in the sun, followed by shoulders (38%), arms (33%) and scalps (20%).

The research also found 46% aren’t confident they could spot the signs of possible skin cancer, with a quarter (24%) unaware changes in an existing mole could be an early indicator.

One in four (26%) don’t see a new mole, lump, spot or rough patch of skin as being something to look out for, while 53% wouldn’t be alarmed by a patch of skin which is itchy or sore.

Despite Bupa advice recommending you check for new moles, or changes to existing ones at least once a month, only 36% of all adults do this, and a quarter have never even checked, according to the OnePoll figures.

Despite Bupa advice recommending you check for new moles, or changes to existing ones at least once a month, only 36% of all adults do this, and a quarter have never even checked, according to the OnePoll figures.

Dr Woodman added: “Melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, yet an estimated 86% of cases are preventable.

“Checking your skin for new moles or lesions, or changes to existing ones, at least once a month will help you to spot signs of potential cancer early.

“If you notice anything unusual, like a mole changing in size, shape or colour, seek medical advice as soon as possible.”

Coventry was named the sunburn capital of the UK, with nearly half (47%) of its residents always or often burning during a typical summer – more than twice the national average of just 18%.

Two thirds (67%) of those in the Midlands city – more than anywhere else in the UK – also choose to forgo sunscreen to boost their chances of getting a tan.

Belfast came second, with a quarter of residents usually burning during the summer months, followed by Liverpool, Birmingham and Edinburgh (all 24%).

But Sheffield was found to be home to the most sun-conscious residents, with just 8% tending to burn over a typical summer.