As a nation, we love being outdoors. Whether it’s a Saturday morning football match, an afternoon round of golf, a summer cricket fixture, a long-distance bike ride, or training for a marathon, millions of us spend hours enjoying sport in the fresh air.
But there is a hidden opponent that many outdoor sportspeople underestimate: ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The UK may not have the year-round sunshine of Australia or Spain, but UV radiation can still be strong enough to damage skin from April through September, and sometimes even outside those months. The result is that many outdoor athletes unknowingly accumulate years of sun damage that can increase their risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
“I’m Not Sunbathing”
One of the biggest misconceptions is that skin cancer only affects people lying on a beach.
In reality, many outdoor sports enthusiasts receive more cumulative UV exposure than holidaymakers. The difference is that they don’t think of themselves as being in the sun.
A golfer can spend four or five hours on an exposed course.
A cricketer might spend an entire day in the field.
Cyclists and runners can be exposed for hours during training rides and races.
Footballers often train and play several times a week throughout the summer.
The skin doesn’t care whether you’re sunbathing or scoring goals. UV damage is UV damage.
Cricket: A Long Day in the Sun
Cricket presents a perfect storm for UV exposure.
Matches can last all day, players often spend hours in direct sunlight, and concentration on the game means sun protection is easily forgotten.
While many cricketers wear caps, areas such as the ears, neck, face and forearms remain exposed so wider brimmed hats would be more appropriate.Umpires can be particularly vulnerable because they may spend the entire day standing in the same position with little opportunity to seek shade.
Football: Not Just a Winter Sport
Football is often associated with muddy winter pitches, but pre-season training and summer tournaments can create significant UV exposure.
Many players train during the warmest months of the year when UV levels are highest. Goalkeepers and outfield players alike can spend several hours each week exposed to damaging radiation.
Young footballers are especially important to protect because severe sunburn during childhood and adolescence can significantly increase melanoma risk later in life.
Golf: Four Hours of Continuous Exposure
Golfers often receive some of the highest recreational UV doses.
A typical round lasts four hours or more, with very little shade available on many courses. Reflection from sand bunkers and water hazards can further increase exposure.
Many golfers carefully choose the latest clubs, balls and gadgets but overlook one of the most important pieces of equipment they can carry: sunscreen.
Cycling and Running
Cyclists and runners face unique challenges.
Sweating can reduce sunscreen effectiveness, and long training sessions often exceed the recommended reapplication interval.
Road cyclists are particularly vulnerable because sunlight can reflect from road surfaces, increasing overall exposure. Runners frequently expose large areas of skin during warm weather, making protection even more important.
These are but just a few of the outdoor activities that we all love to do. There are so many others that involve large amount of time being spent in the direct glare of the sun. Whilst being able to enjoy a beautiful day out following your own chosen sport/ activity we all need to be mindful of the weather conditions – especially on a sunny day.
Why the UK Weather Can Be Misleading
One of the greatest dangers is the belief that cloud cover offers complete protection.
It doesn’t.
UV radiation can penetrate cloud, meaning skin damage can occur even on days that feel cool and overcast.
I’ve often found that people take more care on a beach holiday abroad than they do during a sunny weekend at home. Yet repeated exposure in the UK can add up over years and decades.
Simple Steps That Make a Difference
Outdoor sport doesn’t need to stop. It simply needs to be played more safely.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen before activity.
- Reapply every two hours and after heavy sweating.
- Wear a cap or hat where appropriated – a wide brimmed hat is preferable. Baseball hats provide no protection to ears or neck.
- Use UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Cover up with lightweight UV-protective clothing when possible.
- Check the UV Index before heading outdoors.
- Seek shade during breaks and half-time where available.
- Get to know your skin and report any new or changing moles promptly.
A Personal Reflection
As someone who has lived with melanoma for over a decade and has been stage IV since 2021, I know how important awareness can be. Many of us spend years enjoying outdoor activities without giving UV exposure a second thought.
The aim isn’t to stop playing cricket, football, golf, cycling, running, or any other outdoor sport. The aim is to keep doing the things we love while protecting ourselves from a risk that is largely preventable.
You wouldn’t step onto the pitch without boots, ride without a helmet, or bat without pads.
Sun protection should be viewed in exactly the same way: essential kit for the game.
Stay active. Stay outdoors. But stay protected.
