Brits 'ignoring' skin cancer warnings

More than half of Brits want a suntan despite strong messages about the increased risk of skin cancer, health experts have warned.

62 per cent of Brits said that they found tanned skin more attractive than paler skin, compared to 56 per cent of people responding to a similar survey by the association five years ago.

The results revealed that younger people are less knowledgeable about some aspects of skin cancer despite increased education on the disease in recent decades.

A third (32%) of people in their twenties perceived a tan to be a sign of good health compared with 21 per cent across all age groups.

Three times more men than women incorrectly believed that a base tan will protect against sun burn and sun damage (65 per cent of men compared to just 22 per cent of women).

80 per cent of people infrequently or never check their skin for signs of skin cancer.

Furthermore, 69 per cent admitted they have no idea what to look for even if they were to check their skin.