HMN 2026: How Barbers may help prevent skin cancer

Could your barber help prevent skin cancer? A new study by the University of Portsmouth suggests that barbers could play a significant role in the early detection and prevention of skin cancer among men, opening a new community-based approach to tackling the U.K.’s most common cancer.

Researchers found that while relatively few barbers currently discuss sun protection with their customers, more than half would be willing to do so in the future (55%), with many also open to applying (26%) or selling sunscreen in their shops (35%).

The study was conducted in Portsmouth, a city where melanoma rates are more than a third (35%) higher than the average for England. Researchers surveyed barbers across the city to explore their own sun protection behaviors, current customer practices, and willingness to become involved in skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.K., with rates continuing to rise. Almost nine in 10 cases are linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and more than 80% occur on the head and neck—areas regularly exposed during everyday activities. Men are particularly at risk, with around one in four expected to develop skin cancer during their lifetime.

The study found that:

• No participating barbershops currently sold sunscreen products, but more than a third (35%) would consider selling sunscreen in their shop.
• 57% of barbers reported regularly or always wearing sunscreen themselves.
• Just 17% regularly discussed sunscreen use with customers.
• Only 9% had ever applied sunscreen to customers.
• 55% said they would consider discussing sunscreen with customers in the future.
• More than a quarter (26%) would consider applying sunscreen after a haircut.

Researchers also found that barbers who regularly used sunscreen themselves were significantly more likely to discuss sun protection with customers and to consider doing so in the future.

The study, published in Skin Health and Disease, was carried out by Fleming, a research associate from the School of Dental, Health and Care Professions at the University of Portsmouth. The findings build on growing evidence that barbershops can successfully act as community health hubs.

Small interventions in trusted community settings could help reduce future skin cancer risk and ease pressure on NHS services.

Across the U.K., barbers have previously helped deliver mental health support, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks and cancer awareness campaigns, particularly among men who may be less likely to engage with traditional health care services.

“Most skin cancers are preventable, yet many men continue to underestimate the risks of sun exposure, particularly in the U.K. climate,” said Fleming.

“The findings suggest that barbers represent an untapped public health resource. They have regular contact with men, often see areas of the head and neck that customers cannot easily examine themselves, and are well placed to start simple conversations about sun protection. Small interventions in trusted community settings could help reduce future skin cancer risk and ease pressure on NHS services.”

The study reveals an opportunity to embed skin cancer prevention messages into everyday interactions, particularly after short haircuts when previously covered areas of the scalp and neck become exposed to UV radiation.

Building on the study’s findings, Fleming successfully will distribute 1,000 bottles of sunscreen free of charge to barbershops across Portsmouth this month (June 2026), when the UV index peaks in the U.K. The initiative will allow participating barbers to offer sunscreen to customers immediately after haircuts while helping to normalize discussions about skin cancer prevention.

The scheme aims to increase access to sunscreen through community businesses to encourage healthier sun protection among men.

The research urges a national skin cancer prevention strategy that places greater emphasis on education and prevention alongside treatment, and suggests that barbers could become important allies in reaching groups that traditional public health campaigns often struggle to engage.

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