Skin cancer: sunscreen reflex struggles to gain traction

Every year, the World Health Organization points out that sun exposure is responsible for the majority of the 140,000 to 250,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in France. According to a survey by the Federation of Beauty Companies, 9 out of 10 French people believe it is essential to protect themselves from UV rays with suitable products. But taking action is not yet automatic.

Thus, at the seaside or by a swimming pool, 83% use sunscreen at least once a day during exposure lasting several hours, but only 43% of them repeat this action every two hours or more. And there are still 16% (3 points less than in 2021) who admit to never protecting themselves, a rate which rises to 21% among men.

In a garden or on a terrace, only 69% of them apply sunscreen at least once a day in the event of long exposure, knowing that 30% of French people (including 36% of men) never protect themselves (i.e. 10 points more than in 2021).

Above all, 39% of those surveyed believe they can do without sunscreen because “they don't really need it,” a rate that rises to 46% among men and young people aged 25 to 34. “An alarming lack of awareness of the risks,” according to the authors of the survey.