Teenagers are unaware of risks of sunbathing
It seems that whilst we are bombarded with information that we shouldn't be spending time in the sun without protection it doesn't seem to be soaking into the skin of teenagers who are lying in the sun for 12 times the recommended time without sun cream.
This is particulary worrying when new figures reveal that malignant melanoma is the most common cancer in young women aged 15-24.
Teenage Cancer Trust, found that 40 per cent of young people regularly lay in the sun for up to two hours without any sun protection believing it to be a safe length of time - but the National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends just 10-15 minutes of unprotected exposure.
Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust says: "It's the sun damage done to skin when young that can lead to skin cancer in later life, which is why these findings are incredibly worrying. We all love the sun but we have to respect our skin. Melanoma is fast becoming one of the most common cancers in young people so they need to learn how to protect themselves now."
The survey also found that 15 per cent believe that building up a 'base tan' using sunbeds prevents burning on holiday - despite recent changes to the law preventing under 18s using them.
Rona Mackie, Professor of Dermatology, University of Glasgow, says: "These results are very worrying. Over the last few years a lot of time and money has been spent on public information campaigns aimed at young people and their parents offering advice on sensible sun exposure and making it cleat that sunbeds are not a safe alternative to natural sunbathing. Clearly the messages are not getting through, and more work needs to be done to get young people to act on sun safety advice."
Teenage Cancer Trust has launched a new campaign, Shunburn which educates people about sun safety and encourages them to love the sun but respect their skin.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Health