Calls for sunscreen to be VAT-free due to poverty and skin cancer link

A charity has called for sunscreen to be VAT-free due to the link between skin cancer and deprivation.

Melanoma Focus issued the call after carrying out research that found half of the people – 50% – think sunscreen is too expensive, and 10% do not use it at all because of the cost.

A survey of more than 2,000 people in the UK over the age of 16 revealed that 1 in 10 people were not wearing sunscreen due to the price and people on very low incomes were less likely to wear sunscreen than any other economic group.

According to Cancer Research UK, around 4,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in England are linked with deprivation.

With a cost of living crisis affecting millions, Melanoma Focus wants the government to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) from higher factor sunscreen products to help people afford them.

Sunscreen is currently classified as a cosmetic product in the UK and is, therefore, subject to 20% VAT, which adds about £1.50 on average to the cost of each bottle.

‘Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK’

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: “Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK and the deadliest form of skin cancer.

“86% of melanomas are preventable and therefore, wearing a high SPF sunscreen is a hugely important safety measure for protecting against it.

“We know that people are experiencing increasing pressures on their finances at the moment, but with skin cancer rates on the rise, the use of sunscreen should be a high priority.

“The government could help make skin protection more accessible to all, regardless of income level by removing VAT from high-factor sunscreens. This would be a cost-effective way to cut the overall incidence of skin cancer and could help save lives.”

She added: “We’d also urge people to make themselves aware of melanoma symptoms and seek medical help if they notice anything suspicious, particularly any changes to a mole or lesion.”

What is melanoma and what are some of the symptoms?

According to the NHS, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body.

The main cause is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and also sunbeds.

“Things that increase your chances of getting melanoma include your age and having pale skin, a large number of moles and a family history of skin cancer,” the NHS website says.

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Some of the symptoms of melanoma are:

• A mole with an uneven shape or edges
• A mole with a mix of colours
• An abnormally large mole

Other signs to look out for include moles that are:

• Swollen or sore
• Bleeding
• Itchy
• Crusty

Why is it so important to use sunscreen?

Sunburn increases the risk of getting skin cancer, so in order to prevent that from happening, it is advised to use sunscreen to protect the skin from harm.

The NHS website has also advised people to spend time in the shade when the sun is the strongest.

Here are some tips to avoid sunburn according to the NHS:

• Try to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm – this is probably when the sun will be most out.
• Try not to burn
• Use at least factor-30 sunscreen
• If you do not have access to sunscreen, try to cover certain areas to avoid getting burnt

“Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest,” the NHS website says.

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