As the planet continues to warm, new concerns about public health have emerged. This summer in Europe, with unprecedented heat, outdoor workers and those enjoying sun-related activities face the need to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
Worrying Increase in Skin Cancer
In the UK, the number of new melanoma cases (a type of skin cancer) has for the first time exceeded 20,000. Two other common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, pose less risk; however, this increase reflects the aging and growing population of the country. More than a third of those diagnosed with cancer are over 75 years old.
Given that the National Health Service (NHS) is struggling to cope with the high volume of patients and melanoma is recognized as the fifth most common cancer, calls for behavioral change and stronger public health measures are increasing. In May, a group of MPs proposed a ban on advertising tanning bed devices, as these devices are linked to an increased risk of skin cancer along with sunburn and tanning.
International Experiences
Last year, experts cited a group of countries such as Australia and Brazil that have completely banned the commercial use of these devices. Now, the question arises: should the UK learn from these experiences? Is it not time for us to take this issue seriously and implement effective measures to protect public health?
It seems that now is a suitable time to raise public awareness and change behavior regarding skin protection from the sun. Given global warming and its consequences, we must remind ourselves and others that the sun, although a source of life, can become a silent killer.
