Get your shades on and stay safe in the sun!

Summer is on its way and we’re all looking forward to some warmer days and brighter evenings. In the office, we are all looking forward to glorious summer holidays, BBQs, ice-cream, picnics and long bike rides. Although we all enjoy a bit of sunshine (and all the fun things it brings!) it’s important that we stay safe in the sun to avoid damaging our skin.

This week is Sun Awareness Week (4–10^th May 2015). Organised by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the aim is to raise awareness of skin cancer and exposure to the sun. At the Sun Awareness Week website, you can find out how to check for changes in your skin and what to do if you spot them. You can also learn more about the dangers of getting skin cancer from the sun and order a sun awareness pack.

What do we know about the sun and cancer?

• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer.¹
• Over 8 out of 10 melanomas in the UK (around 11,100 cases each year) are linked to too much exposure to UV rays from sunlight or sunbeds.²
  

Who is most at risk of skin cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer. But some people have a higher risk, including those who have:

• fair skin that burns easily in strong sun
• lots of moles or freckles
• red or fair hair
• light-coloured eyes
• a personal or family history of skin cancer
• a history of sunburn.

How can you protect yourself in the sun?

The best way to enjoy the sun safely is to stay in the shade, wear sensible clothes and use suncream:

• Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest (11am–3pm).
• Wear loose clothing made of natural fibre, and a hat and sunglasses.
• Use a suncream of at least factor 30. But remember that no suncream, no matter how high the factor, can provide 100% protection.

Babies and children need extra protection from the sun. Studies have found that sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer developing later in life.³

And remember to examine your skin

It’s important to regularly self-examine your skin. Check for skin cancer and any new moles and melanomas.

And now, it’s time to get your shades on and enjoy the summer sun – when it finally arrives!

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Sources

1 - http://sunsmart.org.uk/UV-the-sun-and-skin-cancer/

2 - http://sunsmart.org.uk/UV-the-sun-and-skin-cancer/  

3 - http://sunsmart.org.uk/UV-the-sun-and-skin-cancer/how-to-enjoy-the-sun-safely/