Skin cancer in the youth population of the United Kingdom

This essay explores this skin cancer age-related anomaly through the lens of public health. A scoping review combined with a thematic analysis of literature, identified risk factors including demographic and environmental risk factors within the youth population. Research suggests that 86% of cases could be prevented alleviating the current financial burden of over £100 million spent on managing skin cancer. I therefore suggest a multi primary and secondary prevention approach through education programs, whilst promoting awareness and tanning alternatives targeting both youth and parental populations. A final recommendation involves government incentives to increase sun protective factor (SPF) in creams, and imposing a complete national ban on tanning beds. All these preventions would contribute to lowering skin cancer prevalence in the youth population whilst also alleviating the financial burden of the disease.