Sun damage is the most common cause of skin cancer

After months of dull winter days the temptation to soak up the long-awaited sunshine is all too much for most Britons regardless of the known dangers of skin cancer.

While people are aware of the health risks of too much sun they do little to protect themselves against the harmful ultra violet rays, according to the survey commissioned by Cancer Research UK.

The research found people in Scotland had the most knowledge about the dangers of the sun - but took the least action to protect themselves.

More than 6,500 cases of skin cancer were diagnosed each year in Scotland, but fewer than 22% of those questioned seek shade and fewer than 41% apply high factor sunscreen.

But who is most at risk of developing skin cancer and what can they do to minimise the risks?

Fair-skinned people with pale eyes are most likely to develop the disease, with the statistics weighed most heavily against them if they have freckles or burn easily.

Sara Hiom, the charity's science information manager, said the risk was lower for black and Asian people but there was still no room for complacency.

A total of 6,000 people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma in the UK each year, which can prove fatal if untreated.

But a further 59,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer - a more easily treated form of the disease - are also diagnosed each year.

Hereditary factors play a part in determining risk, including if another family member has already had skin cancer.

Childhood sunburn

But 80% of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, said Ms Hiom.

"Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer, " she said.

Studies have suggested getting sunburnt as a child can also increases risks, with some suggesting that getting sunburnt twice in youth could double the risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

It is only where you constantly feed the message that it starts to sink in Sara Hiom Cancer Research UK

Skin cancers can take up to 20-30 years to develop.

People need to be extra vigilant if they have moles and look for changes in their shape, colour, be aware of any itchiness or bleeding and watch for new moles appearing.

But for everyone precautions can be taken to minimise the risks.

In Australia where there has been a concerted campaign to alert people to the dangers, there has been a fall in the number of skin cancer cases in the younger generation.

Ms Hiom, who works on Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign, said: "It is only where you constantly feed the message that it starts to sink in."

The message is to cover up, wear sun cream and avoid the sun from late morning until mid afternoon when rays are at their strongest.