New! The British Association of Dermatologists was recently commissioned by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to produce a summary of key messages that should be included in public information resources for the primary prevention of skin cancer.
The paper has now been published (Sept 09) and can be viewed here.
The objectives of this paper are as follows:
To produce a summary of relevant, accurate and up to date key skin cancer primary prevention messages that should be included in information resources targeted at the general public. Where possible the paper should also provide relevant key messages for specific population groups (for example, children or those at higher than average risk of developing skin cancer). The paper provides a broad framework of key messages and its supporting evidence. It is not, however, the remit of this paper to adapt these messages for delivery to the specific target audiences, media/format or objectives of an intervention.
The skin cancer primary prevention messages may be adapted and presented via one or more of the following formats:
• One to one group based verbal advice (with or without the use of information resources)
• Mass media campaigns
• Leaflets and other printed information, including posters, and teaching resources
• New media: the internet (including social network sites), e-media and text messaging
For more information please call 0207 391 6355 or email comms@bad.org.uk
Skin cancer and sun safety information
Nobody wants to spend the entire summer indoors, and indeed some sunshine can be good for us, helping the body to create vitamin D and giving many of us a feeling of general wellbeing as we enjoy outdoors activities.
However, all too often we over-do our sun exposure, which can lead to a range of skin problems, the most serious of which include skin cancer. Sunburn (i.e. skin redness) and heavy tans in particular are generally accepted as being harmful, and are thought to lead to skin cancer.
In fact, every 4 hours someone in the UK dies of skin cancer. That's why the British Association of Dermatologists has launched Sun Awareness, to teach people how to detect the signs of skin cancer. EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.
Sun Awareness (including Sun Awareness Week in May) is the British Association of Dermatologists' annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer. To use the Sun Awareness brand name or to get involved, please do get in touch, or click here for more information.
To read a summary of our key recommendations for preventing skin cancer, and their supporting evidence, please click here.
This section contains information about skin cancer, sunscreens, Sun Awareness, the literature you can order from us, and more:
There are two main categories of skin cancer - melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma (also known as 'malignant melanoma') is less common than non-melanoma cancers, but is the most dangerous. Non-melanoma skin cancers are mainly comprised of 'Basal Cell Carcinoma' (BCC) and 'Squamous Cell Carcinoma' (SCC). BCC is the most common and the least dangerous. In the menu above are fact sheets about each of the different types of cancer.
Top sun safety tips
You don't have to avoid the sun all year, but taking a few steps when out and about in the summer sun or when on a sunshine holiday will help to protect you from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer.
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Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, T shirt and UV protective sunglasses
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Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny
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Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 for children or people with pale skin) which also has high UVA protection
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Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
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The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that you tell your doctor about any changes to a mole – if your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist (on the GMC register of specialists), the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.
Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.
The British Skin Foundation Skin Cancer Appeal is raising money for vital research into skin cancer. To donate, call the BSF on 0207 391 6341.