Bring on BBQs, beer gardens, and days out enjoying the sunshine - while it lasts!

The weather is finally warming up and the sun has even been out in force recently, giving us a taste of a proper summer. Bring on BBQs, beer gardens, and days out enjoying the sunshine - while it lasts! And while the sun shining, take this opportunity to make sure you and your family are protected. Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK? Every year over 230,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer – the most common type – are diagnosed in the UK. In addition to this, there are approximately 16,000 new cases of melanoma every year, resulting in around 2,285 UK deaths annually.¹

Even though we’re more clued up than ever and many know that UV exposure is the main preventable cause of skin cancer, we’re still not protecting ourselves. YouGov research, on the nation’s sun cream habits, reveals that almost a quarter (23%) do not apply sunscreen during the summer or when on holiday.² Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and we don’t often think about the risks of cancer when we are out enjoying nice weather. It doesn't take long when you’re in the sun to damage your skin and that damage, when it builds up over time, can lead to a scary diagnosis. Cancer is consistently the top claim reason for life insurance and critical illness products^3,4,5, yet we’re not doing enough to protect ourselves. So, if the sun is shining don't forget the sun cream! And don’t forget to talk to us about about ‘Cancer Cover’.

1. British Association of Dermatologists, published May 2018
2. YouGov, published April 2017
3. Royal London: 2017 claims paid report, published May 2018
4. Aviva: Individual protection claims report 2017, accessed June 2018
5. AIG: Protection Claims Paid in 2017, accessed June 2018