CERTAIN FORMS of skin cancer which normally appear in later years are now being found among people in Tayside in early adulthood, according to a Dundee specialist.

The alarming trend was revealed as Sun Awareness Week was launched with a warning that children in particular need to be protected from UV light.

Dr Colin Fleming, consultant dermatologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, said, “We know that across Europe, within the fair skinned population, skin cancer is being reported in younger and younger adults.

“In Dundee and Tayside there are also signs that certain forms of skin cancer which normally appear in later years are now present in early adulthood.

“There are ranges of factors which contribute to this, varying from increased freedom to travel to people becoming more aware of exposure to the sun improving self appearance.

“People need to realise that bursts of sunlight carry as much of a risk as continuous exposure.”

With the Met Office forecasting sun for today and temperatures up to 15C in Dundee, those who are staying at home should take the usual precautions, especially with young children, before heading outside.

A survey carried out by the British Skin Foundation last year found that 37% of parents buy sunscreens lower than the recommended SPF30 for their children.

Professor Harry Moseley, consultant clinical scientist at the Ninewells photo- biology unit, said, “The main problem is that the first time any sun appears in Scotland, people rush to take advantage of it.

“Few people are aware that the sun in May is as strong as that in August, despite lower temperatures.

“Children who burn in childhood have a significantly increased risk of developing skin cancer later on in life.”

Around 100,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, including 1100 in Tayside.

The major cause of the disease is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said, “It is frightening that we have the highest rates of skin cancer in our children and teenagers in Europe—even more worrying when you consider that so many parents are still not adequately protecting their children in the sun.

“A four-fold increase in melanoma rates in teenagers, in just 20 years, is nothing short of terrifying.”

She added, “On the rare occasions that we do get good weather, of course we want to make the most of it.

“However, often we forget that we need to protect ourselves in the sun, and this is especially true for children whose skin is more sensitive to UV light.”

For more information visit www.bad.org.uk/ public/cancer.