WITH summer – hopefully – on its way young people in Worcestershire and further afield are being reminded of the importance of using sun protection.

A recent survey by the Teenager Cancer Trust showed 38 per cent of people aged between 13 and 24 never use sun cream or another form of protection because they don’t believe the sun the UK is strong enough to damage their skin.

The poll also showed 18 per cent said they deliberately let themselves get sunburnt in the belief it would help them tan better and 20 per cent did not know it is illegal for anyone aged 18 and younger to use a sun bed.

But figures have also shown cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, have increased by 78 per cent in men and 48 per cent in women in England since 2003.

Education and awareness programme manager for the Midlands with Teenage Cancer Trust Adam Johnson said, although the UK may pale in comparison with some more tropical holiday destinations in terms of sun, it was still important for young people to protect themselves.

“The sun in this country can cause damage to skin just like the sun abroad,” he said.

“It is the sun damage done to your skin when young that could lead to skin cancer in later life.

“It is of course important to enjoy those lazy summer days but it is vitally important to avoid getting your skin burnt by the sun.

“It takes just a few minutes to apply sun cream or cover up. Those few moments could save someone from the devastating and life changing experience of a skin cancer diagnosis.”

The survey also showed 14 per cent of 13 to 24-year-olds found applying sun cream “embarrassing” while 20 per cent said they did not use it on holiday because they wanted a deeper tan.