• About skin cancer
• Symptoms
• Risk factors

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

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.

Risk Factors

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. UV radiation can penetrate deep into our cells and cause gene damage, the trigger for cancer.

This 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
 

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.

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.