"We're not sausages": The League Against Cancer urges people not to "grill" their skin this summer

"We're not sausages." The League Against Cancer is launching a prevention campaign on Monday, June 16, calling on people not to "grill" their skin in the sun this summer, given that eight out of ten skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet rays.

"Grilling in the sun causes 80,000 skin cancers and 2,000 deaths per year. We're not fools," emphasizes the League Against Cancer, recalling that skin cancers are among the "40% of preventable cancers because a change in behavior would limit their incidence."

Each year in France, between 141,200 and 243,500 skin cancers are diagnosed, including 112,960 to 194,800 caused by excessive UV exposure, according to Public Health France. The number of melanomas (the most aggressive skin cancers) has quadrupled since 1990.

This increase is explained "in part by the aging of the population, but also by the increase in risky practices, such as more frequent sun exposure or the fashion for artificial tanning," such as UV booths, notes the League in a press release.

To "make an impression," the organization is relying on "a surprising slogan" for its campaign, which will be adapted into an animated film and distributed in pharmacies from June 16 to 30.

"Under the sun or the clouds, we protect ourselves," the League urges.

It is advisable to avoid exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. in mainland France or between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. overseas, to wear tightly woven or UV-treated clothing, sunglasses with a CE3 or CE4 standard and a wide-brimmed hat, to apply sunscreen with a high protection factor, 20 minutes before exposure, every two hours and after each swim, even in cloudy weather.

The French are also being urged to "avoid tanning booths," which overexpose people to UV rays known to be carcinogenic, while artificial tanning offers no protection from the sun. As social inequalities can hinder prevention, the League Against Cancer is also deploying initiatives aimed at "the most vulnerable."

Sunscreen products will be distributed free of charge in Côtes-d'Armor to people in need, in association with Les Restos du Coeur, or on three beaches in La Rochelle via vending machines. Awareness-raising activities are also aimed at travelers, residents of a priority neighborhood, and young people from leisure centers and football clubs.