May is skin cancer awareness month - Stay safe in the sun!

During skin cancer awareness month, we are encouraging everyone to take simple steps to stay safe in the sun and recognise the early signs of skin cancer. 

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, with around 16,700 new cases of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) diagnosed every year and over 150,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed annually. Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds. 

The good news is that around 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable, and early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. 

It is also important to highlight that younger children are more vulnerable to the effects of the sun, and sunburn in childhood has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. 

Know the Signs 

It’s important to regularly check your skin for any changes and speak to your GP if you notice: 

• A new mole or growth that wasn’t there before 

• A mole or patch of skin that changes in size, shape or colour 

• A mole that becomes itchy, painful, crusty, bleeds or oozes 

• A sore that doesn’t heal within four weeks 

Top Sun Safety Tips 

The sun can cause lasting damage to your skin, even on cloudy days. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones: 

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a 4-star UVA rating – apply generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating 

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest 

• Cover up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses 

• Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight and always use suitable sun protection 

• Avoid using sunbeds or tanning beds, they expose your skin to harmful UV rays and significantly increase your risk of skin cancer 

• Check your skin regularly, and encourage family and friends to do the same 

By taking a few simple steps, you can reduce your risk and help others do the same. Share this information with family, friends, and others – especially those who may be more vulnerable, such as children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with fair skin or a history of sunburn. 

If you have any concerns about your skin, don’t wait – speak to your GP.