SunSmart - 11th Jun, 2009

Sian James MP on the SunSmart Campaign

Sian James MP for Swansea East today warned local 18-30 year olds about the dangers of burning in the sun after learning more about sun safety from experts at Cancer Research UK.

Malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – is now the most common cancer in women in their 20s. Overall the disease kills around 2,000 people every year but rates are predicted to rise. It is vital to be aware of any changes on your skin, say experts from Cancer Research UK. The charity advises anyone who notices a change in the size, colour or shape of an existing mole or patch of skin to have it checked out by a GP – especially if they are fair-skinned and/or have lots of moles or freckles.

The Swansea East MP said;

“ from the work I have already done on the use of sunbeds at un-staffed salons, I was already aware of damage exposure to uv rays can cause. The SunSmart campaign reinforces this message with experts believing binge tanning, usually on foreign holidays, is contributing to the alarming rise in this life-threatening disease. It’s vital for people to know that wherever they are, they need to take simple measures to protect their skin by covering up, spending time in the shade (especially between 11am and 3pm) and using at least SPF 15 sunscreen. Even minor sunburn can be a sign of permanent damage.”

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign encourages people to know their skin type and use the UV index to find out when they need to protect themselves.
It offers guidelines on how to be sensible in the sun:

- S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3
- M ake sure you never burn
- A im to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
- R emember to take extra care with children
- T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen
Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

For information on skin cancer and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign visit: www.sunsmart.org.uk