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Skin cancer
risks highlighted by health officials
PUBLIC Health
officials in Liverpool will be highlighting the risks of skin cancer on
World Melanoma Day, Monday, 8 May 2017. Over the
last 25 years, rates of malignant melanoma in Britain have risen faster than
any other common cancer and it is now the 2nd most common type among
people aged 15 to 34.
The
number of cases in Liverpool have more than doubled since 2001; up from 47
to 99; and the latest figures from 2014 show there were 14 deaths in the
City.
Now Public
Health Liverpool has teamed up with Melanoma UK to remind people of the
dangers of spending too long in the sun, encourage people to cover up and
highlight the dangers of using sunbeds.
Dr Sandra
Davies, Director of Public Health in Liverpool, said:- "We're all well aware
of the importance of putting on sun cream when we go on holiday or to the
beach, but studies show that people don't protect themselves when they are
out and about at home or work when the sun is out.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing
as a healthy tan and you are not protected if you already have a tan. If
your skin goes red it is a sign the cells have been damaged by too much UV
radiation but the consequences may not appear until years afterwards."
Gill
Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma UK, said:- "We are delighted to
partner with Liverpool City Council during May to heighten awareness,
educate the public and show people how to examine their bodies.
Melanoma UK was launched in 2007 and has grown
considerably but sadly with the growing number of cases year on year, we
realise we need to do much more to tackle this."
Everyone
involved with Melanoma UK has been affected in some way by skin cancer.
Diane Cannon, Corporate Partnership Director, who is spearheading the
awareness campaign in Liverpool, lost her young niece Claire Culbert to
melanoma at the young age of 38, leaving behind 2 children. In addition,
Diane and three of her siblings have had numerous skin cancer lesions
removed.
Almost 9
out of 10 skin cancers can be prevented by:-
► Avoiding over exposure to the sun.
► Avoiding burning of the skin (red to blistering)
► Avoiding sun bed use.
► Covering up using clothes, hats and sunglasses.
► Seeking shade at the hottest parts of the day (11am
to 3pm)
► Using sunscreen – SPF 30+ for both adults and children.
Everyone
that uses sunbeds is putting themselves at greater risk of skin cancer. Some
people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. You should never
use a sunbed if you:-
► Are under 18.
► Have fair or freckly skin.
► Burn easily.
► Have lots of moles.
► Have had skin cancer in the past.
► Have a family history of skin cancer.
People who
find a new mole or notice any changes to the size, shape or colour of an
existing mole or patch of skin should get it checked by their GP straight
away.
Last year,
Cancer Research UK and Liverpool City Council joined forces and signed the
1stever skin cancer pledge, promising to work together to raise awareness
of skin cancer. The City has also previously lobbied government calling for
the licensing of sunbed salons, and run a high-profile campaign – The Look
to Die For – educating people about the dangers of using sunbeds and
encouraging the use of fake tan instead.
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