Experts warn of cancer-risk link to TikTok trend

Experts say a TikTok trend called ‘sunburning’ could increase the chances of developing skin cancer

A "dangerous" TikTok trend could increase the chances of developing cancer, NHS experts have warned.

The Queen Victoria Hospital Foundation Trust, in East Grinstead, cautioned the public against "sunburning" - a phenomenon encouraged by social media influencers where people avoid using sunscreen to give their skin a "healthy boost" or even burn it intentionally to cure acne.

“Trends such as this not only pose an immediate danger but have the potential to cause lifelong health issues," said Sam Orkar, clinical director of the hospital’s plastics and burns services.

A TikTok spokesperson said it had removed a number of videos in relation to this content for violating its community guidelines.

While the West Sussex hospital said it had not seen any cases related to the new trend, it warned those who adopted it could see the effects in years to come.

The health authority said more episodes of sunburn throughout your life increase the risk of developing skin cancer, as well as premature aging.

The Queen Victoria said it sees around 700 skin cancer patients a year from across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, with this number increasing year-on-year.

Melanoma is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK, said Mr Orkar.

Cancer Research UK predicts there will be a record 20,800 cases of melanoma skin-cancer diagnosed this year – up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020-2022.