Causes of cancer

Too much UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer.

In the UK, the sun is often strong enough to cause skin damage between mid-March and mid-October.

When the sun is strong spend time in the shade, cover up with clothing, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or more stars

UV rays from sunbeds can damage the DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer.

We all need some vitamin D for healthy bones. But you don’t need to sunbathe to get enough vitamin D.

There is no such thing as safe UV tanning. If you want a tan, use bottled fake tan or get a spray tan. Melanotan products are not safe to use.
We have this information in an easy read leaflet. This leaflet tells you about some of the things you can do to try not to get cancer.
How to try not to get cancer - easy read.
That Cancer Conversation is Cancer Research UK's podcast.
In this episode, we talk about skin cancer - what it is, what causes it, and how you can reduce your risk by enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunbeds. We look at why sunbed use is on the rise and help bust common myths around skin cancer and sun safety.
We also hear from Jak, who shares his personal story of being diagnosed with skin cancer at 21, and how his use of sunbeds may have played a key role.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.