PRESS RELEASE
Skin cancer: fears rising with change in climate
Friday 13 July 2007
As the UK finally has the prospect of a sunny weekend and with people heading off on their summer holidays in the search for sun, a new survey by The Institute of Cancer Research’s SAFE campaign found that 60% of those questioned are more worried about skin cancer now than they were ten years ago. Despite widespread concern, over a third (35%) of people do not use sunscreen when sunbathing, one of the key ways to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) light and avoid skin cancer.
Over 80% of respondents believe that more should be done to educate people about the dangers of skin cancer, as only just over half (52%) know the signs and symptoms of the disease. The good news is that the message about the dangers of sunbeds (another source of harmful UV light) seems to be getting through, with 82% saying they do not use them.
More than 75,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year. Over the last few decades the incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically. Recent research predicts that the incidence of melanoma skin cancer will treble in the next 30 years, with climate change likely to exacerbate the problem.
Professor Richard Marais from The Institute of Cancer Research said: “These results reflect the fact that people are deeply concerned about skin cancer, but that many people still do not know how to look after their skin. The number of people getting skin cancer is rising dramatically, so it is vitally important that everyone is aware of how to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun.
“Most cases of skin cancer can be avoided, and if caught early enough the disease can be treated. That is why everyone should know the signs and symptoms of the disease and visit their doctor immediately if in any doubt.”
About 2,000 people die from skin cancer every year in the UK. There are two types of the disease: melanoma and non melanoma. Non melanoma is the most common, affecting 67,000 people a year in the UK, and is usually treatable with surgery. Melanoma is the more serious form, affecting 8,000 people in the UK every year. If not caught and treated early the cancer can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal. The only known environmental risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to UV light.
Professor Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research commented: “The Institute of Cancer Research is conducting cutting edge research to help find better treatments for skin cancer. Many important breakthroughs have been made but there is still much more to do. That is why we urge people to support the SAFE campaign so that we can keep up the good work.”
The SAFE Campaign is working in partnership with high street retailer Superdrug and with the support of Hollywood A-lister Mischa Barton. This summer Superdrug has produced a selection of in-store literature with advice and tips on staying safe in the sun. Superdrug is also raising much-needed funds for research into skin cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research by donating some of the profits from its SPF15+ Solait sunscreen range, and limited edition SAFE sunglasses and beach towels.
This weekend the SAFE UV wristband goes on sale at Superdrug stores nationwide, and online. All proceeds from the wristband, which will sell for £1, will go to The Institute of Cancer Research which runs the SAFE Campaign. This is the wristband with the difference, not only does wearing the band promote the SAFE Campaign and support the charity it also has a direct impact on the wearer. The bands are specially designed to change colour when out in the sun as a reminder to the wearer to apply sunscreen and cover up.
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, interviews with experts or with people who have suffered from skin cancer, please call the SAFE Campaign on 020 7153 5359/07721747900.
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
What to look out for:
If you notice any of the following changes you should visit your GP immediately:
• New sores and lumps that do not heal after a month
• Spots or sores that bleed, itch, develop a crust or hurt
• Unexplained skin ulcers
• New or existing moles which appear to be growing or changing shape
• New or existing moles which are a range of shades of brown and black
• New or existing moles which are larger than 6mm in diameter
• New or existing moles which have jagged edges
• New or existing moles which bleed, ooze
• Remember though that most melanomas do not arise out of moles, so any unexplained change to your skin should not be ignored
SAFE @ Superdrug
High street retailer Superdrug is supporting The SAFE Campaign to promote skin and sun protection.
Survey
Carried out by 72 Point on behalf of The Institute of Cancer Research on a sample of 2051 people between 26 March and 6 April.
The SAFE Campaign
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. For more information visit www.safe-campaign.org
The Institute Of Cancer Research
The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe’s leading cancer research centre with expert scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Website at: www.icr.ac.uk
