PRESS RELEASE
Play it SAFE with your sun care this summer
Tuesday 6 February 2007
This May, The Institute of Cancer Research and Superdrug are launching the SAFE (Skin Awareness For Everyone) 2007 campaign. SAFE will encourage people to be skin and sun aware by asking the British public to cover-up in the midday sun and avoid getting sunburnt, as well as raising money.
“Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, affecting over 70,000 people each year. However, most cases can be cured if caught early. The SAFE campaign is all about letting everyone know the facts about sun care and how to enjoy the summer without putting themselves at risk.
“Practical tips, like protecting yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and staying in the shade at the hottest times of the day, can make all the difference,” said Hannah Crabtree from the SAFE campaign.
During May the proceeds from SPF15+ sunscreen in the Solait range will be donated to The Institute of Cancer Research that runs the campaign. Superdrug will also provide information on SAFE in its stores, as well as taking the campaign on the road to sun worshippers on the UK’s beaches and at music festivals.
“As one of the UK’s leading health and beauty retailers Superdrug is in the perfect position to draw attention to this issue. We want people to get the facts on how to look after their skin so that they can be sun aware. The money raised will help fund vital research that will save lives in the future,” said Katy Henderson, sun care buyer from Superdrug.
In the UK cases of skin cancer have almost doubled in the past 20 years. In fact, more people in the UK die from skin cancer than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.
There are two types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. Most cases of non-melanoma can be treated and survival rates are very high. When melanoma is caught early it can be treated successfully, however, if it is not caught and treated early, the cancer can spread to other organs and it can be fatal. Anyone who suspects that they have a form of skin cancer should visit their doctor without delay.
Top tips to keep skin and sun aware:
- Cover up in the sun and stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm
- Wear factor 15+ sunscreen
- Take extra care with children and if you have fair skin
- Regularly check your skin for new moles or changes to existing moles or skin
- Visit your GP immediately if you notice any unusual changes to your skin or moles
To find out more about the SAFE campaign or for a free skin cancer information leaflet please call 0800 7319468 or logon to www.safe-campaign.org
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For further information and interviews please call The Institute of Cancer Research Press Office, tel: 020 7153 5430/out of hours: 07788427856 or email hannah.crabtree@icr.ac.uk
For samples of the Soliat sunscreen range call Jenny Hill or Jennie Young at ZPR, tel: 0207 896 3404 or email superdrug@z-pr.com
Notes to editors:
- SAFE is a campaign run by The Institute of Cancer Research to encourage people to be skin and sun aware, and raise funds for our vital research in this area.
- The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe’s leading cancer research centre, with world leading scientists working on cutting edge projects. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Website at: www.icr.ac.uk
