As the weather warms up, it's only natural to want to enjoy some time outdoors. While a bit of sunshine can lift your spirits, it's incredibly important to stay safe in the sun and protect your skin.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, but by taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce your risk and enjoy the sunshine safely.
Here are 5 S’s to help you stay safe in the sun this summer:
- Slip on a t-shirt. Keep your shoulders covered, they can easily burn.
- Slop on sun cream. Using SPF30 or above with lots of stars and preferable water resistant.
- Slap on a wide brimmed hat to shade your face, neck and ears.
- Slide on sunglasses to protect eyes from UV rays.
- Seek shade especially when the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm.
Getting a tan might feel like a confidence boost, but it’s your skin's way of showing it's been damaged.
Tanning beds can be just as harmful, exposing your skin to concentrated UV rays. Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases your risk of Melanoma by up to 60%.
What is Melanoma?
There are two main types of skin cancer - melanoma, and non-melanoma (NMSC). Each year there are around 14,500 cases of melanoma and 72,000 of non-melanoma in the UK.
Melanoma can be fatal, and treatment often requires surgery, so prevention is key. It is also important to know the signs. Checking moles often and following the ABCDE guide is an easy guide showing what to look for:
- A - Asymmetry
- B - Border
- C – Changes in colour
- D – Diameter
- E – Evolving
By being sun smart, you are taking important steps to protect your skin and health.
