Yorkshire people underestimate dangers, warns health chief (From Ilkley Gazette)

Yorkshire people underestimate dangers, warns health chief

1:10pm Monday 21st June 2010

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Health bosses at NHS Bradford and Airedale are warning people about the risks of developing skin cancer at the start of the national SunSmart campaign today.

Even though skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among men and the second most common form of cancer among women in the UK, only 29 per cent of women and eight per cent of men in Bradford and Airedale are aware of the dangers.

When asked, approximately eight out of 100 men in the Bradford district recognised the dangers of skin cancer compared to 65 for lung cancer.

Thirty out of 100 women were aware of the dangers of skin cancer compared to 55 for cervical cancer.

The majority of cases of malignant melanoma are caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun or sunbeds.

Sunbeds are estimated to cause about 100 deaths from melanoma every year in the UK.

SunSmart is a national skin cancer prevention campaign run by Cancer Research UK.

This year’s campaign is focusing on men as latest figures show that the number of men dying from malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has doubled over the last 30 years.

Even though more women are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the number of deaths is dramatically higher in men.

Greg Fell, public health consultant for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “These figures show a high number of deaths from skin cancer which is largely preventable.

“Yorkshire people, especially men, seriously underestimate the dangers of too much sun and need to be more aware of the risks of skin cancer.

“Too often men leave it to their partners or mothers to remind them to apply sunscreen or to cover up.

“It is crucial that people repeatedly apply sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or above, especially after swimming.

“It is also vital that they contact their doctor if they notice any unusual changes or growths to their skin or moles. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.”

To help prevent the development of skin cancer follow the SunSmart advice which includes: stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm make sure you never burn aim to cover up with a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses remember to take extra care with children.

People most at risk of skin cancer tend to have fair skin, red or fair hair, lots of freckles and a family history of skin cancer.

For more information visit sunsmart.org.uk.

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