Each year, skin cancer rates continue to rise significantly in France and around the world. Too often underestimated, skin cancer is far from harmless : it is now a major public health concern.
In most cases, these cancers are directly linked to a well-established factor: exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Understanding the connection between UV rays and skin cancer, knowing the key facts, identifying the main causes, and adopting the right protective habits are essential steps to protecting your skin’s long-term health.
In this context, sun-protective clothing, especially certified UPF 50+ clothings, offers a practical and effective solution, particularly for sensitive skin or individuals at higher risk.
One of the most common cancers… yet still too often underestimated
Each year, new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in France and around the world, a number that has continued to rise over the past thirty years. In France alone, between 141,000 and 243,500 new skin cancers are detected every year, a key indicator of this concerning upward trend.
Source: Santé publique France (1)
There are two main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the most common forms
- Cutaneous melanoma, less common but more aggressive
UV radiation is estimated to play a role in more than 80% of melanoma cases worldwide, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Key facts
Melanoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among adults aged 20 to 40 in France.
Among young people aged 18 to 35, it is now one of the three most common cancers.
This worrying rise is largely driven by increased exposure to UV radiation — whether from outdoor leisure activities, tanning habits, or sports practiced in the sun — too often without adequate protection.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Why is UV radiation from the sun so dangerous for the skin?
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although invisible to the naked eye, these rays can be highly damaging to the skin. When they penetrate the epidermis, they may cause deep cellular damage that can become irreversible.
UV radiation can alter the DNA of skin cells. With repeated exposure over time, these changes may accumulate and increase the risk of skin cancer.
There are two main types of UV rays:
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UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin. They contribute to premature skin aging and, over time, to cellular mutations.
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UVB rays, which are stronger at the skin’s surface. They are the primary cause of sunburn and lead to immediate damage to skin cells.
This is why UV radiation is now recognized as a major health risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies UV rays as a proven carcinogen, meaning they can cause cancer in humans.
For this reason, creating an effective barrier against both UVA and UVB rays is essential. Among the most reliable solutions, UV-protective clothing provides durable physical coverage and is especially recommended for sensitive skin.
Understanding the Key Terms in Sun Protection
World Cancer Day: A Key Moment to Raise Awareness
Each year on February 4th, World Cancer Day highlights the importance of prevention in the face of a growing concern: skin cancers are rising sharply.
Yet in most cases, they are linked to a preventable factor: exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Adopting the right sun-protection habits today remains one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term risk.
Simple but essential habits for staying safe in the sun
The good news? A large proportion of skin cancers is potentially preventable through practical steps. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), with proper protection, 4 out of 5 skin cancers could be prevented.
Key prevention habits to adopt
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM
- Watch for the UV Index — extra caution is needed when the UV Index is 3 or above
- Seek shade whenever possible
- Wear protective clothing and sun-safe accessories
- Apply an appropriate sunscreen to exposed areas
- Make sun protection a priority for children
Do regular clothes provide good protection against UV rays?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), clothing is the most effective physical barrier against UV radiation.
However, not all fabrics offer the same level of protection. Several factors influence how effective a garment can be, including:
- Fabric density
- Fiber type (polyester and Lycra are generally more protective than cotton)
- Color
- Stretching or moisture
- Wear and tear over time
This is why specific sun-protective textiles exist, measured by an indicator called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).
UPF 50+ certified clothing provides very high protection against UV rays, making it an especially practical solution for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or have sensitive skin.
Discover our sun-protective clothing, certified UPF 50+, for Women, Men, and Children.
Taking action today to reduce tomorrow’s risks
Prevention is not limited to a specific season or region of the world. As UV exposure continues to increase, whether due to climate change, outdoor leisure activities, or work-related sun exposure, it is essential to make sun protection part of everyday habits.
By combining simple preventive actions, greater awareness of UV-related risks, and practical solutions such as UV-protective clothing, UV-protective swimwear, and sun hats, everyone can significantly reduce harmful exposure and protect their skin over time.
The sun is not the enemy, but protecting yourself is essential
Skin cancer rates are rising worldwide, largely due to exposure to UV radiation. However, skin cancer is not inevitable.
Simple habits, applied consistently, can significantly reduce risk.
UPF 50+ certified UV-protective clothing, as part of a comprehensive sun-safety strategy, offers a practical and accessible solution to help protect sensitive skin — and the general population — over the long term.
Protect your skin effectively, every day, everywhere.
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