UV

Ultraviolet radiation, which is everywhere, is emitted naturally by the sun or by artificial sources. It is responsible for various health conditions, including certain types of skin cancer.

Our Mission

  • To generate useful knowledge about the health consequences of the population’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation

  • Monitoring public behavior and knowledge regarding UV exposure

  • Raise awareness of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation and provide information on key preventive measures

In brief

Videos, infographics, key statistics, expert interviews… Find the latest news and key information on UVs here

news

The First Heat Wave and UV Exposure: Simple Steps Everyone Can Take

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Melanomas

Skin melanomas have been on the rise since 1990, with the sharpest increase observed among men

Health Issues

What is ultraviolet radiation?

Ultraviolet radiation, which is completely invisible to the human eye, is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. It is ubiquitous, emitted naturally by the sun as well as by artificial sources. It does not produce any sensation of heat.

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What We Do

Epidemiological Surveillance of Cancers

Health monitoring of the French population is the responsibility of Santé publique France. It is within this framework that epidemiological surveillance of cancers is conducted. This surveillance:

  • supports the implementation and evaluation of public...

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Data

The 2015 Cancer Barometer highlighted the public’s attitudes and behaviors regarding UV exposure, cancer prevention and screening methods, as well as perceptions of the disease and the quality of care.

Persistent Misconceptions

9

in 10 people are convinced that sun exposure is a likely cause...

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Tools

Here you will find the resources (videos, TV commercials, radio spots) and prevention materials made available to healthcare professionals and the general public.

enquêtes/études

Summer Sun Exposure Among Tourists on the Mediterranean Coast of Occitanie. ...

In Occitanie, the Mediterranean coastline stretches for 200 km. In the spring and summer, the region—which experiences intense sunlight (UV indices around 8 or 9)—welcomes many tourists. In this...

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Publications

Here you will find the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé publique France.

2 publications

thèse/mémoire

Summer Exposure to Natural UV Radiation Among Tourists on the Mediterranean Coast of Occitanie: A Study of the Determinants of Sun Protection and Sun Exposure and an Evaluation of Sun Protection Interventions

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In relation to

Climate change

thematic dossier

Climate change is rapidly and profoundly altering the environment. The health impacts of climate change are numerous and varied.

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thematic dossier

Cancers

Les cancers représentent en France la première cause de décès chez l’homme et la deuxième chez la femme. Santé Publique France copilote la surveillance épidémiologique et participe à leur prévention.

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Visuel illustratif

Skin cancers

thematic dossier

Skin cancer may be the most common form of cancer in France. Caused in more than 85% of cases by excessive exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it can be prevented by...

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