Skin cancer survivor Jessica Zbinden-Webster shared her story in an interview, highlighting the importance of sun safety. After being diagnosed with skin cancer at 26, she realized it can affect anyone at any age, not just older individuals or excessive sunbathers. Zbinden-Webster, now cancer-free, advocates for the removal of the U.K.’s 20% tax on sunscreen, emphasizing the necessity of affordable sun protection that needs frequent application.
Zbinden-Webster’s cancer journey started with what appeared to be a persistent pimple below her right eye. It turned out to be infiltrative basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can be challenging to detect but is highly treatable. Following successful treatment, Zbinden-Webster now uses sunscreen daily, acknowledging the financial burden of sunscreen due to the 20% VAT in the U.K.
Her petition to eliminate VAT on sunscreen has gained over 100,000 signatures, supported by various skin health organizations and a 2026 U.K. parliamentary report. In Canada, sunscreen is considered a health product but is subject to federal GST and provincial sales taxes. Advocates like Falyn Katz and Lindsay Timm emphasize the need for affordable sunscreen to promote skin cancer prevention.
Although Health Canada redirected inquiries about sunscreen tax to the Department of Finance Canada, the government’s spokesperson mentioned ongoing reviews of the tax system. While some essential items are tax-exempt in Canada, sunscreen remains taxable. Zbinden-Webster draws inspiration from Australia, where sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are exempt from the Goods and Services Tax, offering hope for similar changes in other countries like the U.K. and Canada.