The necessity of year-round sunscreen use has been brought into focus by Prof Tim Spector (Health expert Tim Spector criticised for remarks on year-round use of sunscreen, 13 May). In a diverse country like the UK, it is pivotal to provide nuanced public health messaging on sun protection that is inclusive of all citizens.
The 2021 census underscores the UK’s ethnic diversity, with London being the most ethnically diverse region in England. With a latitude of 51.5072, London has an average UV index of 0-2 between the months of October and March. Statistical data reveals lower skin cancer rates among the UK’s ethnic minorities, largely due to their melanin-rich skin, which confers some innate UV protection. Furthermore, melanoma skin cancers in this cohort typically occur in parts of the body that have not been exposed to the sun.
