Press release
SUN SMART – by Cancer Research UK Gibraltar Branch.
SunSmart is the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign, which is commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK.
CRUK have a small SunSmart team based at their head office in London. This team works with various other groups to deliver accurate information and preventive measures against skin cancer across the country.
SunSmart was launched in 2003 and is now entering its sixth year of campaigning.
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.
Types of skin cancer;
There are two main types of skin cancer:
- malignant melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer
- non-melanoma skin cancer - more common and easily treated
Malignant melanoma;
Malignant melanoma, also known as melanoma, is the most serious type of skin cancer. It usually develops in cells in the outer layer of the skin. The first visible signs of this may be a change in the normal look or feel of a mole. Melanoma affects adults of all ages. It is one of the few cancers to affect young adults and is the third most common cancer amongst 15-39 year olds. However your risk increases as you get older.
More women than men develop malignant melanoma. Melanomas in women are most common on the legs and in men they are most common on the back.
When melanoma is caught early it can be treated successfully. However, if a malignant melanoma is left it can spread to other parts of the body and may be fatal.
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If you notice changes in a mole or in previously normal skin, it is important to act right away. Most changes are not necessarily caused by cancer, but do need to be checked out.
Non-melanoma;
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common and easily treated type of cancer. More than nine out of ten skin cancers are this type. There are over 67,000 new cases reported each year in the UK.
There are two main types, both of which tend to affect older people. These cancers are most common on areas of skin frequently exposed to the sun such as the head, neck, hands and forearms.
Basal cell cancer is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. It grows quite slowly and usually starts as a small round or flattened lump. The lump may be red, pale or pearly in colour. Sometimes it appears as a scaly, eczema-like patch on the skin.
Squamous cell cancer is more serious than basal cell cancer as it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Squamous cell cancers appear as persistent red scaly spots, lumps, sores or ulcers, which may bleed easily.
Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer
- a new growth or sore that won't heal
- a spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts
- a mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs
Any change in a mole, freckle or normal patch of skin that occurs quickly, over weeks or months, should be taken seriously. If you notice any of these signs then visit the doctor without delay.
Who is most at risk?
Some people are more likely than others to get skin cancer. These people tend to have one or more of the following...
- fair skin that burns in strong sun
- red or fair hair
- lots of moles or freckles
- a personal or family history of skin cancer
- experience of sunburn, especially when young
As a general rule, the paler your skin, the more careful you should be in the sun.
Babies and children need extra protection from the sun because their skin is delicate and easily damaged.
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You will not see the damage immediately because skin cancer can take years to develop. But children who are exposed to too much sun now are storing up problems for the future.
Researchers believe that sunburn in childhood can double your risk of skin cancer.
Those of us with naturally brown or black skin have more melanin pigment in our skin cells. This helps protect the skin from damaging UV rays. So if you have naturally brown or black skin you are much less likely to get skin cancer.
However, skin cancer can still affect people with brown or black skin. It is most common on parts of the body infrequently exposed to the sun such as the soles of the feet.
Cancer Research UK Gibraltar Branch will be present at the Piazza on Saturday 21st June and at Casemates on Saturday 28th June creating more ‘Sun Smart’ Awareness.
Ends.
Giovanella Vinales
Assistant Secretary
Cancer Research UK - Gibraltar Branch
Gibraltar Registered Charity No. 18
Email: cancerresearchgib@gibtelecom.net
28 Pimlico Close
Montagu Crescent
Gibraltar
Home Tel. +350 20071819
Mobile. +350 56331000
Home email: rowving@gibtelecom.net
giovi.vinales@gibtelecom.net
Work Tel. +350 20076579
Work email: gv@europort-gibraltar.com
