Stay sun safe during school holidays
With thousands planning early summer holidays abroad over half term, and forecasters predicting intermittent hot and sunny weather appearing locally over the bank holiday weekend, health professionals are reminding the public to enjoy the sun safely while they make the most of their holiday.
Devon has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the UK, with over 300 cases of malignant melanoma per year and 40 related deaths.
About 80% of skin cancer cases could be prevented through avoiding overexposure and staying safe in the sun.
Receptionist Sue Foot was diagnosed with a melanoma four year ago, after seeing her GP about a mole she was concerned about.sue foot1
“I had an existing mole on the back of my left leg which became raised, crusty and bled. I must admit it did not concern me at first, but over the following 12 months when it did not clear, I thought it best to see my local GP,” said Sue.
“I was told it was a malignant melanoma, so they removed the mole and an area of healthy tissue from around the site of the melanoma to minimise the risk of cancer returning.
“I used to be someone who loved having a tan. I probably overdid it back in the 80s when sunbeds were very trendy. I am now a great believer in SPF 50 and sitting in the shade.”
And Sue says it’s never too early to get checked out. “If you find a mole that is causing you concern, I would make an appointment with your GP straight away, I left my visit too long,” she said.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for health and wellbeing, said: “The weather in Devon can be unpredictable, and it’s easy to get caught out and burn accidentally. When the sun finally comes out, be prepared to cover up, seek shade, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and at least SPF 15 sunscreen.
“It’s important to remember that it’s possible to burn even through cloud cover in Devon, whether you’re working outside, at the beach, playing sport or doing the shopping.”
Carolyn Charman, Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, said: “‘Binge-tanning’ – short periods of intense UV exposure, such as sunbathing on a foreign holiday once a year, can increase the risk of the most serious type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.
“Burning badly, even just once every two years, can triple the risk of malignant melanoma. Take extra care if you have fair skin that burns easily, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn, red or fair hair, light-coloured eyes and a personal or family history of skin cancer.
“Prevention is best, but it’s also important to check your skin regularly for signs of change, if skin cancer is detected early there are good chances of treating it.”
Signs to look out for include:
- a change such as a new mole, or any moles, freckles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour.
- a new growth or sore that will not heal.
- a spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts.
- a mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs.
- More tips on staying safe in the sun.
