Enjoy the Sun Safely This Summer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Cases have more than doubled since the 1990s.
Around 19,000 new melanoma skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the UK – about 53 every day.
The good news is that up to 86% of cases could be prevented with better sun safety.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a good time to think about we can look after our skin and enjoy the sun safely.
Why does skin cancer happen?
Most skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or sunbeds. UV rays damage the skin over time. Even one bad sunburn can increase your risk.
Anyone can get skin cancer. It affects all skin tones and all ages.
How to stay safe in the sun
You can still enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin.
Remember these simple steps:
- Stay in the shade when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 3pm
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and loose clothing
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Choose sunscreen with 5-star UVA protection
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours
- Reapply after swimming or sweating
- Avoid sunbeds
UV rays can still damage your skin on cloudy days.
Know the signs of skin cancer
Check your skin often. Get in touch with us if you notice:
- A new mole or mark
- A mole that changes shape, size or colour
- A sore that does not heal
- A patch of skin that is itchy, scaly or bleeding
- A dark mark under a nail
A simple way to remember melanoma signs is ABCDE:
- A – Asymmetry – the shape is uneven
- B – Border – the edges look blurred or uneven
- C – Colour – the colour is not the same throughout
- D – Diameter – larger than 6mm
- E – Evolving – changing over time
Protect children from sun damage
Sun damage in childhood can raise the risk of skin cancer later in life. Help children stay safe with shade, clothing and sunscreen.
When to get help
Most skin changes are harmless. But it is important to get new or changing marks checked early.
Please contact the practice if you are worried about any changes to your skin.
For more information, visit the British Skin Foundation or Macmillan Cancer Support.