Specialists from NGH have been giving out advice in Northampton town centre to help local people
stay safe in the sun this summer.Consultant dermatologist Dr Pick-Ngor Woo, and Macmillan skin cancer nurse specialist Ruth Fox, gave advice, staged a display and handed out leaflets and sunscreen samples on the Market Square during Sun Awareness Week
in May. Ruth said: “Nobody wants to spend the entire summer indoors, and indeed some sunshine can be good for us, helping the body to create vitamin D and giving many of us a feeling of general wellbeing as we enjoy outdoors activities. However, all too often we over-do our sun exposure, which can lead to a range of skin problems, the most serious of which include skin cancer. “Sunburn and heavy tans in particular
are harmful, and can lead to skin cancer. In fact, every four hours someone in the UK dies of skin cancer
and malignant melanoma is now responsible for the highest number of cancer deaths in the 18 – 34 year
age group. That’s why the British Association of Dermatologists has
launched the Sun Awareness campaign, to teach people how to detect the signs of skin cancer. Early detection saves lives.”
Top sun safety tips
■ You don’t have to avoid the sun all year, but taking a
few steps when out and about in the summer sun or
when on a sunshine holiday will help to protect you
from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer.
■ Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, T shirt
and UV protective sunglasses
■ Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
when it’s sunny
■ Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 for
children or people with pale skin) which also has high
UVA protection
■ Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
■ The British Association of Dermatologists recommends
that you tell your doctor about any changes to a
mole - if your GP is concerned about your skin,
make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist (on
the GMC register of specialists), the most expert
person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer
you via the NHS.
■ Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative
to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional
protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.
Visit the British Association of Dermatologists website at
www.bad.org.uk for more information and to download
leaflets and posters
few steps when out and about in the summer sun or
when on a sunshine holiday will help to protect you
from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer.
■ Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, T shirt
and UV protective sunglasses
■ Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
when it’s sunny
■ Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 for
children or people with pale skin) which also has high
UVA protection
■ Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
■ The British Association of Dermatologists recommends
that you tell your doctor about any changes to a
mole - if your GP is concerned about your skin,
make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist (on
the GMC register of specialists), the most expert
person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer
you via the NHS.
■ Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative
to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional
protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.
Visit the British Association of Dermatologists website at
www.bad.org.uk for more information and to download
leaflets and posters
Can glass block sun rays that cause skin cancer?
Could you please tell me if it is possible to get skin cancer whilst sitting in a conservatory or through a car window?About the skin and cancer
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broadcasting from July 24th 2010 on 107.8 mhz FM
and surrounding areas in Northamptonshire
broadcasting from July 24th 2010 on 107.8 mhz FM
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