• About skin cancer
• Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer
• Symptoms of melanoma
• What causes skin cancer?
• What makes us at risk?

• How to be sunsmart
• Sunbeds
• What is the Cobalt Appeal Fund doing?
• Factsheet information

76,596 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer were diagnosed in the UK in 2005, however, this figure is inaccurate as many cases are treated by the patients GP and are never reported. Treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is usually very successful.

In the UK 9,583 people were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2005. Deaths from this form of skin cancer have increased from 1,040 cases in 1986 to 1,852 in 2006.

There are signs which help to identify melanoma – look for changes to a skin mole including:

• A new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks
• Persistent skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes
• A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or starts to bleed

There are signs which help to identify melanoma – look for changes to a skin mole including:

• An existing mole or dark patch is getting larger or a new one is growing
• A mole has a ragged outline (ordinary moles are smooth and regular)
• A mole has a mixture of different shades of brown and black (ordinary moles may be dark brown but are all one shade)

If you detect any of the changes above see your doctor immediately.

The signs listed above do not necessarily mean that a mole is becoming cancerous but again it is best to check with your doctor just to make sure. Remember the sooner cancer is detected and treated the better the chance of a complete recovery.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Most skin cancers are linked to sunburn or prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin cells are damaged by the electromagnetic radiation that makes up sunshine (this is different from the radiation associated with nuclear energy.) The dangerous rays contain UV radiation and can penetrate deep into our cells and cause gene damage, the trigger for cancer.

UV radiation comes in three types: UVA, UVB and UVC

UVA is responsible for skin ageing and is also likely to cause skin cancer. Sunbeds emit UVA radiation.

UVB radiation makes up a small proportion of the sun’s UV radiation. But it can cause redness and burning and prolonged exposure can result in blistering and second degree burns. Exposure to UVB rays is a risk factor for both non-melanoma skin cancers and malignant melanoma.

UVC is filtered out by the ozone layer nd does not reach the earth
 

What makes us at risk?

People most at risk of skin cancer tend to have:

• fair skin that burns in strong sun
• red or fair hair
• lots of moles or freckles
• a personal or family history of skin cancer
• experience of sunburn, especially when young

The strength of UV rays outdoors varies from day to day and according to the time of year. Find out how strong the sun is by looking at the UV Index (this can be found in a newspaper or the television weather forecast). Your burn risk depends on the strength of UV rays and your skin type.

Remember to be SunSmart both at work, at home and on holiday.

How to be SunSmart

Sunscreens do not offer total protection from the sun’s rays and using it is only one way to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Be Sunsmart………

• Avoid the sun when at its height (usually 11am – 3pm)
  
• Take care never to burn
  
• Use shade whenever possible: trees, umbrellas, shelters
  
• Take extra special care of babies’ and children’s delicate skin
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection
  
• Cover up with tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing; long sleeves, trousers, skirts
  
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) on exposed skin
  
• Avoid using sunbeds or tanning lamps
  
• Check your skin regularly and report any unusual changes to your doctor without delay

Babies under six months are even more at risk because their skin has not yet developed all its natural defences. They should be kept out of the sun at all times.

Sun Beds

Avoid using sun-beds. It is now known that the UVA radiation emitted by sun-beds can contribute to skin cancer as well as ageing skin prematurely. A tan produced by UVA only, does not thicken the skin as natural sunlight does and therefore offers little protection against sunburn – perhaps at best the equivalent of an SPF 4 sunscreen. Long term frequent use of a sun-bed can cause permanent damage to your skin.

Risks from sun-bed use:

• Burnt and peeling skin
• Dry and itchy skin or a rash
• Eye infections including conjunctivitis
• Premature skin ageing and wrinkling
• Increased risks of cataracts in the eye
• Increased risk of skin cancer
  

Sun-beds should never be used by:

• The under 16’s
• People who burn easily and tan poorly – those with pale skin, fair or red hair
• People using medication that could make their skin more sensitive
• People who have had skin cancer or have a family history of it
• People with a lot of freckles or moles

Nearly all skin cancers are caused by damage from the sun and is one cancer that we can prevent. The Charity will be writing to local nursery schools/primary schools and offering them information on how to protect young children (whose skins are delicate and more susceptible to becoming sunburnt) from the harmful effects of the sun.

We have a small leaflet called ‘how to be sun smart’ which gives tips on how to protect yourself and your family - contact us and we will post a copy to you.