Scotland records first sunburn-related death in 20 years
dailyrecord.co.ukScotland has recorded its first sunburn-related death in 20 years.It comes as the number of fatalities from skin cancer hits a record high.A pensioner in her 80s was among the large number of deaths linked to extreme heat in 2021 in Scotland as temperatures reached above 28C during one of the country's hottest summers.The mercury soared even higher this year with an all-time record of 31.5C, although the statistics for 2022 will not be published until the new year, reports the Scottish Daily Express.Public Health Scotland and the National Records of Scotland said they were unable to to reveal the circumstances or identity of the woman who died of sunburn, due to medical confidentiality.The 2021 figures also show that a record 120 men died of skin cancer during the 12 months, along with 87 women – the highest number since 2013.
Maxine Lenza, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, told the Times : "Any rise in cancer deaths is a concern, but we know that nine out of ten melanoma skin cancers in the UK could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. "Even on cloudy days you can get burnt in Scotland, especially between 11am and 3pm from mid-March to mid- October, when the sun is strongest."The best way Scots can protect themselves from the sun is by spending time in the shade, covering up with clothes and applying a sunscreen with at least SPF15 and four or five stars.
And when it comes to any cancer, early diagnosis saves lives. So if you spot any changes to your skin or nails that is unusual for you, speak to your doctor." A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with all those who have lost a loved one.
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