More than 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year and rates of malignant melanoma are rising faster than any other type of common cancer.
As the weather hots up it’s time to think about taking care in the sun this summer.
Protect your skin with clothing – don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears.
Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny.
When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or more to protect against harmful UVA).
Apply plenty of sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours.
Be sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming and towel-drying.
Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
Dr Bav Shergill, consultant dermatologist & British Skin Foundation trustee, says: “Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. The best way to detect skin cancer is to check your skin regularly, about once a month. You should examine the skin all over your body, from top to toe. Ask a friend or member of your family to look at areas you can’t see such as your scalp, ears and back.
“Look out for moles or patches of skin that are growing, changing shape, developing new colours, inflamed, bleeding, crusting, red around the edges, particularly itchy, or behaving unusually,” he continues.
“Remember, if in doubt, get it checked out straight away. We recommend that you tell your doctor about any changes to a mole or patch of skin.”