A Spoonful of Sunscreen for your Staycation

A 73% increase in staycations could lead to an increase in melanoma incidence in the UK

myGP data shows 73% of holidaymakers intend to opt for a staycation this year
Despite only 1,493 hours of sunshine in the UK each year England has a higher rate of melanoma cases than their French or Italian counterparts
While 67% of Brits use high-factor protection on holiday, only 33% do so in the UK
A new case of melanoma skin cancer is identified in the UK every 44 days, with incidence rates rising by over 135% since the 1990s

Recent myGP data reveals 73% of British holidaymakers intend to stay in the UK this summer, with many crossing their fingers for sunshine in the weeks to come. However, while ‘weather’ was listed as top of the wish list for a perfect staycation[5], without an increased push on sun safety it could have a more sinister result. During English Tourism Week (22 – 31 May) dermatologists urged UK holidaymakers to look after their skin.

Although 86% of all UK cases of melanoma are preventable, data shows that 1 in 36 males and 1 in 47 females in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime[6].

For those packing their staycation suitcase, the NHS recommends sunscreen with at least a 4-star UVA protection and a minimum SPF of 30 to protect against UVB. After a year in lockdown, people should take extra care before exposure to intense sun as melanoma incidence is highest among those with fair skin who tan poorly[7].

Dr Borve at First Derm comments: “While we know that many people will be opting to stay in the UK this year, that doesn’t mean that sun safety can be ignored. It is well known that people tend to pay more attention to their sunscreen and SPF when they are abroad but forget or don’t think it is important when in the UK, and I cannot stress how important it is that we buck this trend.”

Melanoma skin cancer is currently the 5th most common cancer in the UK. In contrast to other forms of cancer, it occurs frequently at a younger age[8]. With 17,852 cases diagnosed last year, the UK accounted for 57% of all new cases in Northern Europe[9]. While the UK is 11th in the list of European countries with the highest incidence of melanoma, popular tourist destinations Spain, Greece and Malta take up three of the four lowest incidence spots[10].

Professor Gordon Wishart, Chief Medical Officer at Check4Cancer comments: “Over 80% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds. This means that the majority of skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun safety measures. Choose a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF), most fair skinned people will need SPF 30 or higher to stop from burning in the summertime. Also, make sure you choose a sunscreen product with a superior UVA 4 -5star rated protection symbol. If you are concerned about any moles or localised changes to your skin then contact your GP or Check4Cancer immediately.’’

First Derm and Check4Cancer are availably via the healthcare marketplace in the myGP app. myGP is the UK’s largest independent GP booking and healthcare management app used by over 2.3m people to manage their health.

Safest Summer Staycations

A new consideration for many holidaymakers for 2021 will be the security of knowing there has already been strong vaccine uptake in their selected destination. Research from myGP revealed almost half of all staycationers (49%) are looking into local vaccine uptake before deciding a destination. As the hospitality sector gets ready to reopen its doors, myGP has identified three regions with the highest vaccine uptake – making them hot-spots for those planning to ‘staycate’ after they vaccinate.

North East and Yorkshire: Sunderland
Midlands: East Leicestershire and Rutland
South West: Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire

While government guidelines should still be observed, these areas will offer additional peace of mind for those returning to as-yet-unvaccinated family members or households after their staycation. Whether it’s a day trip, road trip, or well overdue week-long break, these areas have plenty to offer beyond increased protection from COVID-19.