Be skin smart this summer

 

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Skin Cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.

  • Over 210,000 cases of non-melanoma are diagnosed annually in the UK.

  • Over 16,000 cases of melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) are diagnosed annually in the UK

According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 36 males and 1 in 47 females will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime and it is one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group.

Up to 90% of skin cancers however, are preventable by adopting simple sun safe strategies.

Skin cancer is also the only cancer we can physically see developing in its early stages and if detected, diagnosed and treated early enough, almost all cases are curable.

Learning about the risks associated with UV exposure, how to prevent skin cancer and how to spot the early signs and symptoms - saves lives.

Be Skin Smart

Make sure you follow these simple steps to stay safe in the sun

  • Avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day - 11am to 3pm.
  • Make sure you apply sun screen regularly, and you will never burn.
  • Your sun cream should have an SPF of at least factor 30 and a minimum of a four-star rating.
  • Wear a hat and stay covered up with suitable clothes and sunglasses.

Be Skin Smart

Sun safety tips

Make sure you regularly check your skin for new moles, or changes to existing ones.

Know your ABCDEs when it comes to checking. If you notice anything unusual always contact your GP straight away.

  • A – Asymmetry: Both halves don’t look the same.
  • B – Border: The mole has blurred or jagged edges.
  • C – Colour: The mole has more than one colour.
  • D – Diameter: Grows larger than 6mm.
  • E – Evolution: Changes size, shape or colour.

More information on Skin Cancer

Published: Aug 8, 2022