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Growing demand from UK cancer charities to scrap tax on sunscreen

Growing demand from UK cancer charities to scrap tax on sunscreen

 A number of cancer charities in the UK have been demanding the scrapping of Value Added Tax, or VAT, on sunscreen to make it more affordable. The product comes under the "cosmetic" category and carries a 20% tax, adding around £1.50 to the cost of a single bottle.

The 20% standard VAT rate applies to most goods and services. Charities want high-factor protective creams to be rid of the tax, citing the cost-of-living crisis which has seen scores of Brits struggling to make ends meet.

Sun damage is majorly responsible for skin cancers. Although there are several types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous of them all as well as the most common type among youngsters in the country. If left untreated, the cancer can swiftly spread to other body parts.

Dr. Louise Soanes, Chief Nurse, Teenage Cancer Trust, said only a handful of people realize that getting painful sunburn just once every couple of years can triple their risk of skin cancer - adding "sun cream shouldn't be a luxury that only some can afford."

Cruise ship dancer Kass Barker was diagnosed with melanoma in October 2020. She wants to warn others about how serious the condition can be. "Melanoma can kill," she said, adding skin cancer is usually not seen as a serious threat when compared with other types.

Scottish National Party MP Amy Callaghan, who was diagnosed with the same condition at the age of 19, is running a campaign and petition calling on the government to "make sunscreen more affordable, by removing VAT."

Around 50% of 2,000 people in the UK aged 16 and over surveyed by the charity Melanoma Focus thought sunscreen was too expensive.

While one in 10 said they didn't use the product owing to the cost, others cited different reasons, including a desire to tan, a belief their skin won't burn, and a feeling that sunscreen is unpleasant to apply or wear.

Staying Safe In The Sun

1. Spend time in the shade whenever possible

2. Wear protective clothing

3. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen with at least four-star UVA protection

4. Wear quality sunglasses

5. Choose a wide-brimmed hat


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