Accidents and Injuries
Sun Safety
About skin cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who get it is increasing.
Most skin cancers are caused by damage from UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight. These cancers could be prevented if we protect ourselves from the sun.
A serious problem
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There are over 70,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the UK |
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Many cases are not reported so the real number of cases is probably much higher |
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The number of cases has more than doubled since the early 80s |
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Over 2,000 people die from skin cancer each year in the UK |
Remember the Sun Smart Code
| S |
Spend time in the shade between 11-3 |
| M |
Make sure you never burn |
| A |
And cover up |
| R |
Remember to take extra care with children |
| T |
Then use factor 15+ sunscreen |
People most at risk of skin cancer tend to have:
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fair skin that burns in strong sun |
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red or fair hair |
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lots of moles or freckles |
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a personal or family history of skin cancer |
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experience of sunburn, especially when young |
Links
For more information
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