Faroese health authorities warn of high UV risks as skin cancer rises among young people

The Faroese health service has urged residents to protect themselves from high UV radiation levels, as skin cancer rates climb sharply among young people in the region, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

A Danish Cancer Society study found 45 percent of young Danes aged 15 to 20 deliberately expose themselves to strong sunlight when UV indexes are high. The UV index measures solar radiation strength, with higher values increasing the risk of skin damage in shorter exposure times.

“It’s alarming that skin cancer is spreading so rapidly among young people,” said Rókur Akralíð, a Faroese dermatologist.

The warning comes as summer begins, with many Faroese traveling to sunnier destinations while others remain in the islands.