1 in 9 Scottish Adults have Deliberately Burnt their Skin
As the UK gears up for the bank holiday weekend, an alarming new survey conducted for the charity Melanoma Focus reveals that 1 in 9 adults in Scotland have deliberately burnt their skin, ignoring the serious and potentially deadly consequences of UV exposure.[1]
The survey also found that 36% of Scottish respondents never use sunscreen in the UK during the summer months – a figure that is 35% across the UK and rises to 41% among men.[2] Additionally, 22% of Scottish adults have never heard of the UV index, and less than half (44%) understand what it is.[3] When further asked at what UV index level they should wear sunscreen, most people didn’t realise it’s necessary at ‘moderate’ or 3 and above.[4] These statistics highlight a concerning gap in knowledge about sun safety and skin health.
The findings are worrying for skin cancer experts who remind the public that melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the country (and now the 4th most common for men), with around 19,400 new cases in the UK, and 1,570 in Scotland, every year. Melanoma is also the deadliest form of skin cancer causing approximately 2,600 deaths each year in the UK – more than 7 every day.[5][6][7]
The UK already has more deaths from melanoma skin cancer per year than Australia and it is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the UK.[8]
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said:
“It is alarming to see that so many individuals are putting themselves at serious risk by deliberately burning their skin, and overlooking the vital importance of sun protection. Melanoma skin cancer is extremely serious and five or more sunburns over your lifetime can double your risk of developing this potentially deadly disease. Despite this, nearly 9 in 10 melanoma cases are preventable, making awareness and protection absolutely essential.
“As we head into the bank holiday weekend, we understand the desire to spend time outdoors, but staying safe in the sun by using a broad spectrum factor 30+ sunscreen, seeking shade, covering up, wearing a hat and UV protection sunglasses will protect you. These sun safe practices are important when the UV index (found on weather apps) is moderate or 3 or above.”
Craig Davies, age 52 and from Denny near Stirling, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2021. He now runs an online support group for men living with skin cancer. He said:
“I never sought out the sun, so being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer was a massive shock. I had a mole on my upper arm for most of my adult life and it didn’t seem to be a problem but I went to the doctor when it started to change shape and size. I was initially diagnosed with stage 2 but it unfortunately later progressed to stage 4. I’ve been lucky to have excellent and successful treatment, but it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. I must have burned my skin at some point but I don’t remember it. You have to be so careful and wear sunscreen even in Scotland.”
Dr Eleanor Robertson, Melanoma Focus Ambassador and Speciality Doctor in Dermatology at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, said:
“It is easy for those of us who live in Scotland to be caught out by the sun. During the welcome spring weather it is important that we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. UV levels can be high, even on cloudy days. Melanoma Focus and The British Association of Dermatologists provide easy-to-access evidence-based information on sun safety.”
Visit Melanoma Focus for advice about how to protect yourself from skin cancer.
#MelanomaAwarenessMonth
#KnowYourSkin
Notes to editors:
- The survey was conducted by Deltapoll on behalf of Melanoma Focus. Deltapoll interviewed 3,269 UK adults 18+ online between the 20th March and 31st March 2026. The data have been weighted to be representative of the UK adult population as a whole. View the full survey tables here and all population tables here.
About Melanoma Focus:
- Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing a comprehensive and authoritative source of information for public and professionals alike, as well as supporting education and promoting research about melanoma.
- Melanoma Focus runs a free and confidential helpline at 0808 801 0777
[1] The survey asked: Have you ever DELIBERATELY burnt your skin from either the sun or from using sunbeds? 11% (1 in 9) of Scottish (and UK) respondents said Yes either from the sun or from using sunbeds (Q26).
[2] The survey asked: When you are in the United Kingdom, do you ever wear sunscreen from May to September? 36% of Scottish and 35% of all UK respondents said No and 41% of UK male respondents said No. (Q6)
[3] The survey asked: Have you heard of the UV index? 22% of Scottish respondents said No and 44% said Yes – and I do know what it is. (Q4).
[4] When asked: At what level on the UV Index do you think people need to be wearing sunscreen? 30% of Scottish respondents said Don’t know and only 13% correctly said level 3.(Q5a). When asked: At what UV Index band do you think people need to wear sunscreen? Only 41% correctly said Moderate (Q5b).
[5] Cancer Research UK: Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 5% of all new cancer cases (2018-2019, 2021). In males in the UK, melanoma skin cancer is the 4th most common cancer, with around 9,900 new cases every year. (2018-2019, 2021).
[6] Cancer Research UK: There are around 19,400 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s 53 every day (2019, 2021-2022). And an average of 1,568 per year in Scotland.
[7] Cancer Research UK: There are around 2,600 melanoma skin cancer deaths in the UK every year, that’s more than 7 every day (2022-2024). In Scotland, there are around 193 melanoma skin cancer deaths per year.
[8] There are around 2,600 melanoma skin cancer deaths in the UK every year. (CRUK 2022-2024). The estimated number of deaths from melanoma of the skin in 2025 in Australia was 1,455. It is projected that the average number of deaths from melanoma skin cancer in the UK every year will rise to around 2,800 deaths in 2038-2040.