MP's red alert for Bexley and Greenwich about summer burn risk
11 June 2009
John Austin MP today warned local 18-30s about the dangers of burning in the sun after learning more about sun safety from experts at Cancer Research UK.
The Erith & Thamesmead MP attended the annual ‘Molewatch Clinic’ at Westminster last week where he was given a clear warning message about the risk posed by sunburn.
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. MPs were urged to share their findings with all their constituents that getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of this most dangerous form of skin cancer.**
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.
John Austin MP said “Many people are not aware that 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 Molewatch Clinic has underlined how important it is to enjoy the sun safely and to avoid burning.”
Katy Scammell, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, said: “Whether abroad or at home this summer, don’t let sunburn catch you out. Use shade, clothing and at least SPF 15 sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn.
“Melanomas can grow anywhere on the body so it’s crucial to check all areas of your skin regularly for any unusual changes, as the disease is much easier to treat when it’s spotted earlier.
“Anyone with concerns about a particular mole, freckle or patch of skin that has changed over a period of weeks or months should make sure they speak to their GP as soon as possible.”
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:
- Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
- Make sure you never burn
- Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
- Remember to take extra care with children
- Then 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
Notes:
* New research from Cancer Research UK and the Department of Health (2008) http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/pressreleases/2009/april/skin-cancer
** (References: Dennis et al, 2008. Sunburns and Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: Does Age Matter? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis).
SunSmart is the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
There are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.
The number of skin cancer cases is increasing year on year. The main risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to sunlight. Up to 90% of skin cancers could be prevented by being SunSmart.
More than 75,000 new cases of skin cancer are registered each year in the UK but it is estimated that the actual number is at least 100,000.
Around 9,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year in the UK. Incidence rates of this form of skin cancer have quadrupled since the 1970s. Around 2,000 people a year die from malignant melanoma.
John Austin is the Labour Member of Parliament for Erith & Thamesmead.
The Erith & Thamesmead Constituency is in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley and includes all of Thamesmead and parts of Plumstead, Abbey Wood, Belvedere, Erith, Northumberland Heath and Bexleyheath
