With the sun finally coming out to play, NHS Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance is reminding people to #BeSkinSmart and to check their moles.
Everyone needs to take care when going about their everyday activities including working outside, walking the dog, gardening, running, cycling or going to the park.
Dr Jonathan Bryant, GP Clinical Lead, NHS Kent and Medway, said: “With the sun finally shining it’s important we take care of our skin while out and about in the sun.
“People working outside or regularly exercising in the sun need to be particularly careful.
“Some simple actions can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
“And if you do notice new moles or changes to existing ones, please contact your GP practice as soon as possible.
“It may not be anything to worry about, but it’s best to get checked by a professional because early diagnosis makes treatments more effective and many early-stage skin cancers can be cured altogether.”
People who work outside, including those in construction and building industries are particularly vulnerable. Construction workers represent 44 per cent of occupational skin cancer diagnosis.i
The good news is that up to 90 per cent of skin cancers are preventable by using four simple sun-safe steps.
- Avoid being in the sun from 11am to 3pm, the hottest part of the day.
- Make sure you apply sun cream regularly and try never to get sunburn.
- Your sun cream should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and a minimum of a four-star rating.
- Wear a hat and stay covered up with suitable clothes and sunglasses.
Whatever your skin colour, staying safe in the sun reduces your chances of suffering from skin cancer.
Check your moles
Skin cancer is one that we can actually see developing in its early stages: Make sure you regularly check your skin for new moles, or changes to existing ones.
Know your ABCDEs:
A – Asymmetry: Both halves don’t look the same.
B – Border: The mole has blurred or jagged edges.
C – Colour: The mole has more than one colour.
D – Diameter: Grows larger than 6mm.
E – Evolution: Changes size, shape or colour.
If found, diagnosed and treated early enough, almost all cases of skin cancer are curable.
Visit the NHS website for information on sun safety.
Visit the NHS webpage on non-melanoma skin cancer.
iStay SunSafe - We Build the Future: A construction and built environment sector charity that raises funds to improve prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and support industry workers dealing with the impact of cancer.
