Nisha Pandey

‘Sunscreen Is A Health Essential’: UK Skin Cancer Survivor Urges Govt To Scrap Tax

A UK <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/skin-cancer">skin cancer</a></span> survivor is urging the government to remove <span>VAT</span> from <span>sunscreen</span>, arguing that products used to protect against skin cancer should not be treated as luxury cosmetics.

<span>Jessica Zbinden-Webster</span>, who was diagnosed with skin cancer at just 26, has renewed her campaign to scrap the 20% VAT charged on sunscreen. She said that sunscreen should be considered a health essential rather than a cosmetic product. 

Zbinden-Webster's campaign comes as skin cancer remains a growing public health concern in the UK.

<h2>UV Radiation Can Damage The Skin</h2>

UV radiation can damage the DNA inside skin cells. Repeated or excessive exposure can cause mutations that increase the risk of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-everyone-is-talking-about-inflammaging-the-silent-cause-of-premature-skin-ageing-article-155627623" data-type="tilCustomLink">skin cancer</a>.

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/melanoma">Melanoma</a></span>, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop when pigment-producing cells become cancerous. Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also strongly influenced by UV exposure. 

Cancer Research UK says up to nine in 10 <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-monsoon-weather-triggers-acne-expert-treatments-that-actually-work-article-155224676" data-type="tilCustomLink">melanoma</a> cases could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. It recommends using sunscreen alongside shade and protective clothing.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/why-flight-attendants-pilots-face-higher-risk-of-radiation-linked-cancer-deaths-than-other-occupations-article-155770603" data-type="tilCustomLink">Why Flight Attendants, Pilots Face Higher Risk Of Radiation-Linked Cancer Deaths Than Other Occupations?</a> 

<h2>Sunscreen Is An Essential To Prevent Skin Cancer</h2>

The campaign argues that the way <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-skincare-therapy-improve-your-mental-health-article-151036433" data-type="tilCustomLink">sunscreen</a> is taxed sends the wrong message about its role in disease prevention.

Experts agree that removing VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could potentially prevent thousands of melanoma cases and save the <span>NHS</span> more than £128 million a year in treatment costs. 

Experts also stress that sunscreen should not be viewed as a license to spend long hours in the sun. Cancer Research UK recommends using SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection, applying it generously and reapplying regularly. It also advises seeking shade, particularly around the middle of the day, and covering exposed skin with clothing and a hat.

The organisation also points out that UV radiation can damage skin even when the weather feels cool or cloudy, because temperature does not determine UV intensity. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/does-sunscreen-really-raise-skin-cancer-risk-what-the-470000-person-study-found-article-155692159" data-type="tilCustomLink">Does Sunscreen Really Raise Skin Cancer Risk? What The 470,000-Person Study Found</a>

Zbinden-Webster's own experience has made the issue personal. After her <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-saree-cancer-experts-explain-article-151070834" data-type="tilCustomLink">cancer diagnosis</a>, she underwent surgery that removed part of her lower eyelid, followed by a skin graft and further procedures. She has since made daily sunscreen use part of her routine and argues that cost should not become a barrier to prevention.

The campaign is now calling on the UK government to reconsider the VAT classification of sunscreen, particularly products with SPF 30 or higher. She said that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection, but making preventive products more affordable could potentially encourage more people to use them consistently. 

<h2>Sunscreen Rules To Reduce Skin Cancer Risk</h2>

British Long Runner Liz McColgan Issues Urgent Warning To Never Skip Sunscreen #shorts #shortsfeed

Sunscreen can help reduce UV exposure, but it should not be the only line of defence. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/4-medications-that-increase-skin-cancer-risk-but-millions-take-it-everyday-article-151227120" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cancer Research UK</a> recommends combining sunscreen with shade and protective clothing.

<ul><li>Choose SPF 30 or higher: Look for at least SPF 30 for UVB protection and 4 or 5-star UVA protection.</li><li>Apply generously: Using too little sunscreen can significantly reduce the protection indicated on the label.</li><li>Reapply regularly: Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling. Even products marketed as “once-a-day” should be reapplied.</li><li>Don't forget commonly overlooked areas: Cover the ears, neck, hairline, tops of the feet and backs of the hands.</li><li>Don't rely on sunscreen alone: Seek shade and wear protective clothing, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses when UV levels are high.</li><li>Check the UV index: Protection becomes particularly important when the UV index is 3 or higher. </li><li>Cloudy does not mean you can skip sunscreen: UV radiation can still damage skin when the weather is overcast.</li><li>Don't use sunscreen as a reason to stay longer in the sun: No sunscreen provides 100% protection, and avoiding sunburn remains important.</li><li>Protect children: Young skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, so children should be protected with shade, clothing and sunscreen.</li><li>Avoid sunbeds: Artificial UV exposure can also damage skin cells and increase skin cancer risk.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

sunscreen-is-a-health-essential-uk-skin-cancer-survivor-urges-govt-to-scrap-tax

sunscreen

skin cancer

jessica zbinden-webster

melanoma

skin cancer sunscreen

us-fda-announces-recall-of-vitruvias-therapeutics-thyroid-tablets-over-super-potency

US FDA Announces Recall Of Vitruvias Therapeutics' Thyroid Tablets Over Super Potency

eli-lilly-roches-alzheimers-blood-test-gets-fda-clearance-how-does-it-work

Eli Lilly & Roche's Alzheimer’s Blood Test Gets FDA Clearance: How Does It Work?

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A UK skin cancer survivor is urging the government to remove VAT from sunscreen, arguing that products used to protect against skin cancer should not be treated as luxury cosmetics.Jessica Zbinden-Webster, who was diagnosed with skin cancer at just 26, has renewed her campaign to scrap the 20% VAT charged on sunscreen. She said that sunscreen should be considered a health essential rather than a cosmetic product. Zbinden-Webster's campaign comes as skin cancer remains a growing public health concern in the UK.UV Radiation Can Damage The SkinUV radiation can damage the DNA inside skin cells. Repeated or excessive exposure can cause mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop when pigment-producing cells become cancerous. Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also strongly influenced by UV exposure. Cancer Research UK says up to nine in 10 melanoma cases could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. It recommends using sunscreen alongside shade and protective clothing.Also read: Why Flight Attendants, Pilots Face Higher Risk Of Radiation-Linked Cancer Deaths Than Other Occupations? Sunscreen Is An Essential To Prevent Skin CancerThe campaign argues that the way sunscreen is taxed sends the wrong message about its role in disease prevention.Experts agree that removing VAT from SPF 30+ sunscreen could potentially prevent thousands of melanoma cases and save the NHS more than £128 million a year in treatment costs. Experts also stress that sunscreen should not be viewed as a license to spend long hours in the sun. Cancer Research UK recommends using SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection, applying it generously and reapplying regularly. It also advises seeking shade, particularly around the middle of the day, and covering exposed skin with clothing and a hat.The organisation also points out that UV radiation can damage skin even when the weather feels cool or cloudy, because temperature does not determine UV intensity. Also read: Does Sunscreen Really Raise Skin Cancer Risk? What The 470,000-Person Study FoundAbout The Campaign Zbinden-Webster's own experience has made the issue personal. After her cancer diagnosis, she underwent surgery that removed part of her lower eyelid, followed by a skin graft and further procedures. She has since made daily sunscreen use part of her routine and argues that cost should not become a barrier to prevention.The campaign is now calling on the UK government to reconsider the VAT classification of sunscreen, particularly products with SPF 30 or higher. She said that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection, but making preventive products more affordable could potentially encourage more people to use them consistently. Sunscreen Rules To Reduce Skin Cancer Risk      Sunscreen can help reduce UV exposure, but it should not be the only line of defence. Cancer Research UK recommends combining sunscreen with shade and protective clothing.Choose SPF 30 or higher: Look for at least SPF 30 for UVB protection and 4 or 5-star UVA protection.Apply generously: Using too little sunscreen can significantly reduce the protection indicated on the label.Reapply regularly: Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling. Even products marketed as “once-a-day” should be reapplied.Don't forget commonly overlooked areas: Cover the ears, neck, hairline, tops of the feet and backs of the hands.Don't rely on sunscreen alone: Seek shade and wear protective clothing, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses when UV levels are high.Check the UV index: Protection becomes particularly important when the UV index is 3 or higher. Cloudy does not mean you can skip sunscreen: UV radiation can still damage skin when the weather is overcast.Don't use sunscreen as a reason to stay longer in the sun: No sunscreen provides 100% protection, and avoiding sunburn remains important.Protect children: Young skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, so children should be protected with shade, clothing and sunscreen.Avoid sunbeds: Artificial UV exposure can also damage skin cells and increase skin cancer risk.

‘sunscreen is a health essential’: uk skin cancer survivor urges govt to scrap tax

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

‘Sunscreen Is A Health Essential’: UK Skin Cancer Survivor Urges Govt To Scrap Tax

US FDA Announces Recall Of Vitruvias Therapeutics' Thyroid Tablets Over Super Potency

Eli Lilly & Roche's Alzheimer’s Blood Test Gets FDA Clearance: How Does It Work?

Maryland Declares Measles Outbreak In 3 Counties After 14 New Cases Among Unvaccinated Individuals Surface

Health Conditions A-Z

US FDA Announces Recall Of Vitruvias Therapeutics' Thyroid Tablets Over Super Potency

‘Sunscreen Is A Health Essential’: UK Skin Cancer Survivor Urges Govt To Scrap Tax

Eli Lilly & Roche's Alzheimer’s Blood Test Gets FDA Clearance: How Does It Work?