Vitality examined the rise in skin cancer claims
New data from Vitality Health Insurance reveals that its skin cancer claims* in the UK are 20% higher than any other cancer – with a 15% increase between 2022 and 2023. Despite new research** finding that nearly a quarter (22%) of people in their thirties believe skin cancer is not something they need to worry about until they’re older. However, Vitality has found that for the under 30s, 29% of cancer claims are for skin cancer.
Over a quarter of Brits (26%) claimed that they weren’t concerned about developing skin cancer, with 21% of these respondents agreeing that this is due to the notoriously cold and cloudy UK weather. With this in mind, over one in ten (11%) say they’ve burnt on home soil, and three-quarters (75%) admit to not wearing suncream daily during the summer months.
Soaking up the sun can provide a variety of health benefits, and over half of Brits who enjoy sitting out in the sun (51%) say being in the sun boosts their mood, and mental health (43%). However, protecting your skin from UV rays is a vital step to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, but seems not to be a priority for many of us on holiday, as one in five (21%) say getting a tan is their number one priority abroad, and over a third (35%) feel disappointed to return home without one. However, nearly two-thirds (57%) of respondents believe you can spot a ‘Brit abroad’ by their sunburn.
As for how Brits get burnt, over half (64%) don’t re-apply sun cream after being in the water, despite the fact even water-resistant SPF products need to be reapplied once you’re out of the water. For others, it’s kids and partners who come first, with over a quarter (23%) saying they’re more concerned with making sure they’re wearing suncream than putting it on themselves.
While for some a lower SPF is a choice, with 1 in 10 women in their 30s actively choosing a lower SPF (13%) or avoiding wearing too much suncream altogether in the hopes they will tan more (10%). Vitality has found there are some worrying misconceptions around SPF and sun protection. This includes the fact that a quarter of Brits (25%) admit they are confused by SPF levels, including what level to wear and when to apply it.
The top 10 common misconceptions when it comes to sun care include:
- The older you are, the more likely you are to get skin cancer (43%)
- Using a lower SPF helps you tan (29%)
- You don’t need to wear SPF when it’s cloudy or raining (22%)
- You don’t need to wear SPF in the winter (21%)
- It's less important to wear SPF in the UK (18%)
- Tanning oil gives you protection whilst optimising your tan (17%)
- You don’t need to wear suncream on your face if there’s SPF in your makeup (14%)
- You cannot get a sun tan with factor 50 on (13%)
- All suncream is waterproof (12%)
- You only tan after burning first (11%)
While nearly a quarter (23%) aren’t confident of what the signs of skin cancer are, and even fewer know when to get checked (16%), a whopping 87% say looking after their skin in the sun is crucial.
Dr Rosie Godeseth, Associate Medical Director and GP at Vitality Health explains how to spot the symptoms of skin cancer, and when to speak to a doctor:
“Skin cancers can look very different, and the symptoms vary from person to person. There are some key symptoms to look out for, such as:
- A sore area of skin that doesn’t heal within four weeks
- An area of skin that looks unusual in colour or texture
- An area of skin that is itchy, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks.
"You can also look for ulcers, which is an area of skin that has broken down and doesn’t heal within four weeks, if you can’t think of a reason why this change has happened. Equally, any slow-growing small lumps that are shiny, pink or red or if you spot a change to a freckle or mole, you should get these checked. You can also take a photo of your moles and freckles to allow you to track how they look and if they are changing.
"If you have any symptoms or are concerned, then speak to your doctor.”
Notes to editors
**Research was conducted by Opinium for Vitality by 2,000 UK respondents aged 18+, in August 2024.