Edinburgh named among UK’s worst cities for sunburn, study finds
New research shows alarming sunburn trends in the UK, with one in five adults risking skin cancer by neglecting sun protection
Edinburgh residents are among the most likely in the UK to suffer from sunburn, according to a new study, with nearly a quarter admitting they regularly burn during the summer months.
The findings come as the country deals with a major heatwave that forecasters predict could trigger the hottest June day on record.
Research commissioned by healthcare company Bupa revealed that 24 per cent of people living in the Capital "always or often" burn when out in the sun. This places Edinburgh fifth overall in a UK-wide league table of sun-damaged cities, tied with Liverpool and Birmingham, and significantly ahead of Glasgow, which ranked 14th.
Nationally, the study uncovered a worrying trend regarding sun protection, revealing that one in five adults consider getting sunburned a necessary part of achieving a tan.
Furthermore, four in 10 respondents admitted to purposely sitting in the sun without protection to get a more bronzed look.
The survey of 2,000 adults found that 19 per cent of those who have been seriously burned required medical advice or treatment, with nearly a quarter of those (23 per cent) forced to visit a minor injuries unit or A&E.
Dr Tim Woodman, medical director for policy and cancer services at Bupa UK Insurance, warned that many people underestimate the strength of the British summer.
He 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."
Coventry topped the poll as the UK's sunburn capital, with 47 per cent of residents regularly burning—more than twice the national average. Belfast came second at 25 per cent, followed by Liverpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
In contrast, Sheffield was found to be home to the UK’s most sun-conscious residents, with just eight per cent tending to burn.
The face was identified as the area most likely to be burned (43 per cent), followed by the shoulders (38 per cent) and arms (33 per cent).
While 58 per cent of those who burned blamed it on forgetting to apply sunscreen or losing track of time, 44 per cent said they were caught out by the sheer strength of the sun.
Alarmingly, 38 per cent of those who have been burned said they do not worry about the impact it could have on their chances of developing skin cancer. Of those, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) felt it was not a concern because they only burn occasionally, while one in 10 claimed they did not believe the UK sun was strong enough to cause the disease.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also highlighted a stark gap in health awareness. Almost half of adults (46 per cent) admitted they are not confident they could spot the signs of skin cancer, and a quarter have never checked their skin for changes.
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 per cent 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."
CITIES WHERE RESIDENTS BURN THE MOST WHEN OUT IN THE SUN
1. Coventry
2. Belfast
3. Liverpool
4. Birmingham
5. Edinburgh
6. Cardiff
7. Leeds
8. Brighton and Hove
9. Leicester
10. London
11. Manchester
12. Newcastle
13. Bristol
14. Glasgow
15. Sheffield