Britons are missing vital weather warnings that could help reduce their risk of skin cancer. New figures show more than 70% of people questioned in a special survey* do not know what the UV Index is – despite its frequent appearance on TV weather forecasts and websites.
The results of the survey, commissioned by Boots to support Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign, are being released on the first day of Sun Awareness Week to highlight the importance of knowing your skin type and when to protect yourself from burning in the sun to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
To help people understand what the UV Index means to them, Boots and Cancer Research UK have created a Celebrity UV Guide, using star skin types as a guide to when people should cover up.
Celebrity Skin Type | When should you cover up in the summer 11am-3pm? |
| Very fair, burns easily e.g. Renee Zellweger, Kelly Osbourne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives), Ewan McGregor, Rhys Ifans, Prince Harry | UV Index 2-3 and higher |
| Fair but tans e.g.Colleen McLoughlin, Sienna Miller, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, David Beckham | UV Index 3 and higher |
| Olive or brown e.gJennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Laila Rouass, Parminder Nagra, Eva Longoria and Jesse Metcalf (Desperate Housewives), Amir Kahn, Ronaldo | UV Index 5 and higher |
| Black e.g Naomi Campbell, June Sarpong, Venus and Serena Williams, Will Smith, Lemar, Denzel Washington | UV Index 6 and higher |
People with fair skin need to protect themselves from burning between 11am and 3pm on days with a lower UV Index rating, compared to people with darker skins, who are advised to cover up when the rating is higher. However, 73 per cent of people with fair skin, who are most at risk of sunburn and skin cancer, admit they still get sun burnt, despite almost two thirds worrying it could lead to skin cancer.
Manager of the SunSmart campaign, Jo Viner Smith says; “These results are quite alarming, especially following the warnings issued recently that we may be in for heatwave this summer.
It is particularly worrying that over 70% of people with very fair skin, who are most at risk of skin cancer, do not know what the UV Index is. Fair skinned people can burn in as little as 30 minutes when the UV Index is seven and it is important they take extra care at all times of the day when the UV Index is high. With more than 70,000 new cases registered each year, it is crucial people know when to cover up.”
Checking the UV Index on the weather forecast in the summer is an easy way to know what to prepare for during the hours of 11 to 3 – whether to head for the shade and pack the sunhat and factor 15.”
Boots suncare consultants in stores across the country can provide advice on individual skin types and how to be safer in the sun. Information is also available at Boots Advantage Card kiosks and at Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website
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For further media information contact the Cancer Research UK Press Office on 020 7061 8320
*Survey by NOP world between the dates 29 April and May 1st 2005, conducted over the telephone among 1000 adults aged 15+. Results were weighted in order to make them nationally representative.
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To enjoy being outside this summer and reduce your risk of skin cancer, follow the SunSmart code:
- Stay in the shade 11-3
- The summer sun is most dangerous in the middle of the day – find shade under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors
- Make sure you never burn
- Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer
- Always cover up
- Sunscreen is not enough – wear a t-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses (eyes get sun damaged too)
- Remember to take extra care with children
- Young skin is delicate. Keep babies in the shade, especially around midday
- Then use factor 15+ sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen generously 15-30 minutes before you go outside and reapply often
- Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.
Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart Campaign is funded by UK Health Departments and launched in March 2003. Members of its advisory board include representatives of the National Radiological Protection Board, British Association of Dermatologists, International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, EUROSKIN, UK Skin Cancer Working Party, British Photodermatology Group, Wessex Cancer Trust and, more recently, independent experts on vitamin D and nutrition. Boots, Homebase and BAA are also backing the campaign.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent charity dedicated to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, call 020 7009 8820 or visit Our website
