Throughout Finland at this time of year, the UV index exceeds the level requiring protection. Awareness among Finns of the cancer risks of UV radiation has improved, but sun protection for children has declined.

Summer has come early in many places this year. The temperature itself does not affect the intensity of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It instead depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. At this time of year, the UV index, which measures the intensity of UV radiation, can reach a maximum of 4 in Southern Finland on sunny days. This means that you should take care to protect your skin and eyes from excessive exposure. 

In Southern Finland, the UV index rises above the level requiring protection on sunny days from mid-April until September. In Northern Finland, this threshold is exceeded on average from May until early August. 

The sun's UV radiation is strongest in Finland during the week before Midsummer and for a few weeks after. During this period, the UV index in the southern parts of the country can exceed the high-risk threshold of 6. 

“Warm weather can tempt people to wear lighter clothing, which exposes the skin to the sun's UV rays. It's worth bearing in mind that you can still get sunburned on a cloudy day, as thin high clouds do little to reduce the intensity of UV radiation reaching the ground,” says Finnish Meteorological Institute researcher Kaisa Lakkala. 

UV exposure better known as a cancer risk than skin type or sunbeds 

According to a survey on cancer risk factors and prevention commissioned by the Cancer Society of Finland (CSF), 87% of Finns are aware that the sun's UV radiation increases the risk of cancer. In addition, 44% of respondents identified fair skin as a risk factor, but in the younger age group (18-24 years) this proportion was only 21%. The cancer risk associated with sunbeds was recognised by 81% of respondents, but only 55% of younger people were aware of its harmfulness. 

“Finns are generally aware of the risk of cancer caused by UV radiation. However, the effect of skin type on cancer risk is less well known. The fairer the skin type, the higher the risk of skin cancer. Darker skin tolerates the sun better, and the cancer risk is therefore lower, but still present. Awareness of the risks of sunbeds is high on average, but the lower level of knowledge among younger respondents is worrying. Sunbeds are classified as a class one carcinogen and damage the skin in the same way as the sun's UV rays. For this reason, sunbeds are not recommended for tanning,” explains Heidi Löflund-Kuusela, Manager of Health Promotion at the CSF. 

According to the latest cancer statistics, nearly 1,800 melanomas, over 2,100 squamous cell carcinomas and about 9,400 basal cell carcinomas were diagnosed in Finland in 2024. 

“The incidence of skin cancer increased more rapidly than that of other cancers in the early 2000s. While the age-standardised incidence of all other cancers increased by about 0.4% per year, the increase for skin cancer was about 3.5% per year. Over the last 10 years, this rate of increase has slowed considerably. It now appears that the incidence of skin melanoma, for example, is no longer increasing and will be lower in 2024 than in 2023,” says Karri Seppä, Research Manager at the Finnish Cancer Registry. 

There are differences in skin cancer incidence in Finland between both well-being services counties and educational groups. The highest incidence of skin cancers is found among people with a high level of education in Åland, and the lowest among people with primary education in Kainuu. 

“The reasons for these differences may be both in actual UV exposure and in a more active seeking of medical examination. There are virtually no differences in skin cancer mortality.” 

Popularity of tanning has declined, but sun protection for children needs to improve 

A survey commissioned by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland (STUK) found that Finns are most exposed to the UV radiation when they are outdoors – in parks and on terraces, while gardening and playing sports. 

“Most often, UV exposure occurs in everyday life,” says Anne Höytö, Senior Specialist in UV radiation at STUK. 

Awareness of the sun's harmful effects has improved, and the pursuit of tanning has decreased. Only about 9% of Finns sunbathe to get a tan. However, this is more common among women and those under 45 than others. As many as 45% of Finns have suffered sunburn in the past five years, and young adults in particular get sunburned regularly. 

Nevertheless, there is generally a positive attitude towards protection, with 43% of Finns saying they always protect themselves from the sun, and 52% at least sometimes. Women protect themselves from the sun more often than men, and younger generations are more active in this regard than older ones. 

The most usual sun protection methods are sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and seeking shade. Parents still remember to protect their children from sun exposure, but a worrying trend is emerging. In 2022, 68% of Finns always protected their children from the sun, but this has now fallen to 58%. 

The good news is that most Finns are aware of the harms of UV radiation and protection methods. Höytö points out that effective protection is not difficult. Shade, clothing and sunscreen are all important. “By combining these, you can safely enjoy outdoor activities in summer.” 

Further information 

Finnish Meteorological Institute 
UVI forecast in the Finnish Meteorological Institute's web service (in Finnish) 
The UV index forecast can also be checked from the Finnish Meteorological Institute's mobile app. 

Cancer Society of Finland 
https://www.freefromcancer.fi/know-cancer-risks/sun/ 

Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland (STUK) 
https://stuk.fi/en/sun-s-uv-radiation