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Warning from dermatologists as UK children have Europe’s highest skin cancer rates, 02.05.08 
Sunbed position statement (provided on request, April 08)
Sun Awareness survey results, 04.04.08
Sun Awareness 2008 launched, 10.03.08 

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British parents are confused about the need to protect their children in the sun, despite the fact that children and teenagers in the UK have the highest rates of skin cancers of any European country.

That’s the warning from the British Association of Dermatologists today, to mark the start of Sun Awareness Week.

According to a study* on skin cancer incidence throughout Europe, the UK has the highest skin cancer rates both for children, aged 0 to 14, and teenagers, aged 15 to 19.

Furthermore, cases of melanoma - the deadliest type of skin cancer - increased four-fold in UK teenagers over just two decades (1978 to 1997).

Despite this alarming rise, a survey by the British Skin Foundation last year found that a quarter of British parents don’t think it necessary to apply sun protection to their children before they go to school in the summer months, even though many schools do not have shade in the playground. The charity also found that 37 percent of parents buy sunscreens with lower than the recommended SPF30 for their children.

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “It is frightening that we have the highest rates of skin cancer in our children and teenagers than anywhere else in Europe - even more worrying when you consider that so many parents are still not adequately protecting their children in the sun.

“Sun Awareness Week starts on a bank holiday as this is when many families will be spending the day outdoors. On the rare occasions that we do get good weather, of course we want to make the most of it – however, often we forget that we need to protect ourselves in the sun, and this is especially true for children whose skin is more sensitive to UV light.

“Sunburn as a child can as much as double the chances of skin cancer later in life, so kids need to be protected with sunscreen, clothing and shade when spending time outdoors on sunny days.”

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Note to editors:

* European Journal of Cancer 2006, Volume 42, Issue 13, Pages 2170-2182 (September 2006)
Skin cancer incidence and survival in European children and adolescents (1978–1997). Report from the Automated Childhood Cancer Information System project
E. de Vriesa, E. Steliarova-Foucherb, A. Spatzc, E. Ardanazd, A.M.M. Eggermonte, J.W.W. Coeberghaf

The British Association of Dermatologists runs the annual Sun Awareness Week, this year May 5-11, and the Sun Awareness campaign throughout the summer. Case studies are available for the media to complement feature articles and spokespeople on skin cancer are also available on request.

For more information about skin cancer and Sun Awareness, visit: http://www.bad.org.uk/public/cancer/

For more information, please contact Nina Goad, Communications Manager, British Association of Dermatologists, email nina@bad.org.uk, tel: 0207 391 6355

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• The British Association of Dermatologists would like the government to ban sunbed use for under-18s. We are also calling for a total ban on coin-operated, unmanned sunbeds.
  
• Many people do not understand the risks that these machines pose, especially when they can be found at sports centres and places that suggest they are ‘healthy’, which sends conflicting messages. We would therefore like to see the removal of sunbeds from all health facilities such as gyms and sports centres.
  
• Many salons do not provide adequate information on the health risks, but instead advertise somewhat spurious health ‘benefits’. We would therefore like to see better point of sale information supplied, outlining the health risks so people can make a more informed decision regarding sunbed use.
  
• The British Association of Dermatologists believes that Scotland’s move to limit sunbed use, as well as informing people as to the risks, is a huge step in the right direction.
  
• The perceived health gains from tanning, such as vitamin D production, can easily be achieved by other means, including diet and supplements.

Further stats / info:

A study published recently in the British Journal of Dermatology uncovered worrying new findings about sunbeds, including a rise in ‘high power’ sunbeds and a lack of knowledge by users of the cancer risks involved.

Scientists at the Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee compared current sunbed usage to a 1998 survey of sunbeds in the Dundee, Perth and Kinross areas, and also surveyed the habits and opinions of sunbed users.

 Their study revealed a 30 percent increase in the number of privately operated sunbeds since 1998, despite increased warnings over the cancer dangers involved in sunbed use.

 The team also measured the levels of cancer-causing UV radiation created by each sunbed, and found that a shocking 83 percent produced UVB radiation levels that exceed the European standard. UVB is generally considered to be particularly dangerous and is closely linked to induction of skin cancer.

Equally worrying is the emergence of stronger, high power sunbeds. Dr Harry Moseley, Consultant Clinical Scientist and one of the study’s authors, said: “In an earlier study we found that sunbeds carried a cancer risk similar to that of UK summer sun. However, since our initial study, there have been technological developments leading to new, high power ‘fast tan’ units. These have become increasingly popular, along with the emergence of unmanned sun parlours.

“People sometimes use sunbeds in the mistaken belief that they are a safe alternative to conventional tanning, but this is simply not the case – the average sunbed now carries the same cancer risk as the midday southern European sun.”

The researchers then conducted a survey of sunbed users, discovering that a staggering 15 percent do not believe that sunbeds carry a health risk. Of those who did feel sunbeds carry risks, only 56 percent mentioned cancer.                                                                                      

Other findings of concern are as follows:

•           Half of respondents started using sunbeds early in life, between the ages of 16 and 24

•           Almost a quarter have been using sunbeds for more than 10 years

•           Over a third have had between 29 and 40 sunbed sessions in the past year, and over a quarter more than 50 sessions

•           A quarter never use goggles to protect their eyes

•           Only seven percent had actually been advised to wear goggles

Dr Moseley said: “In comparing these results with those obtained in the earlier study, a number of key differences should be highlighted. We have found a 30 percent increase in the number of privately operated sunbeds. This is particularly disturbing because in the earlier study, in which we looked at environmental health factors, we found that many privately operated sunbeds had major faults; for example, 89 percent did not attempt to impose a limit on the number of sessions, 81 percent provided inadequate information, 59 percent maintained no customer records and 33 percent failed to display guidance. Therefore, it is a cause for concern that the number of sunbeds provided by the private sector is increasing.

“Another factor that has emerged is that the mean cancer risk for all machines is now comparable to that from Mediterranean sun, whereas in the previous study this only applied to stand-up booths. This increase in carcinogenic potential is directly related to the widespread use of high power sunlamps, both in stand-up booths and lie-down sunbeds.

“Also, for the first time, we identified premises with unmanned sunbeds. These have no supervision and anyone, including children, may use the facilities. There is no limit imposed on the dose per session nor the number of sessions.

“The majority of sunbeds do not comply with the British and European standard for cosmetic tanning units. 83 per cent of sunbeds produced UVB irradiances that exceeded the limit specified in the standard. Product standards are intended to protect the public but, clearly, sunbed manufacturers are ignoring the standard and there is no effective control on the suppliers or operators.

Notes to editors:

1.         If using this study, please ensure you mention that the study is being released in the British Journal of Dermatology, the publication of the British Association of Dermatologists (August 2007 edition)

2.         The study is titled ‘Qualitative risk assessment of sunbeds: impact of new high power lamps’. Authors: Harry Moseley, James Ferguson, Hannah Oliver – The Photobiology Unit, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK

3.         BJD is published by Blackwells.

For more information please contact:

Nina Goad, BAD Communications Manager, Phone: 0207 391 6355 / 07904 665201, Email: nina@bad.org.uk, Website: www.bad.org.uk

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HALF of Britons would not recognise the signs of a possible skin cancer, and a quarter never checks their skin for the disease, a shocking snapshot survey by the British Association of Dermatologists has revealed.

The survey, to launch this year’s Sun Awareness campaign, revealed that a quarter of respondents never examine their body for changes to their moles.

Even more startling, one in six people are not aware that a mole can be checked for free by a GP, instead believing this service has to be paid for.

85 percent of respondents still don’t realise that skin cancers make up a third of all UK cancers, with the majority thinking that less than one in 10 cancers affect the skin.

And despite skin cancer rates increasing faster than any other cancer, with figures doubling every 10 to 20 years, a staggering one in eight people do not know that skin cancer is on the rise at all.

However, it is not just sun exposure that causes cancer, and an alarming one in six believe that sunbeds could be a useful way of producing Vitamin D for the body.

The British Association of Dermatologists states that perceived health gains from sunbed use, such as vitamin D production, can easily be achieved by other means including diet and supplements. It is therefore not felt that sunbeds carry useful health benefits, but instead increase a person’s risk of skin cancer.

President of the British Association of Dermatologists Dr Colin Holden said: “While it is disheartening that there is little understanding about quite how common skin cancer is, what I find of particular concern is that so many people are unaware of certain signs of skin cancer, and furthermore do not know that they can have a suspicious mole checked free of charge. This could pose a huge obstacle to the early detection of skin cancer in these individuals.”

Sun damage and cosmetic appearance
The survey showed that we are not just ignorant of the health risks of UV exposure – many people are also unaware that sun protection can keep the skin looking younger.                                  

When asked about how to best prevent premature skin ageing, a quarter favoured applying a daily moisturiser, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water or using facial massage and facial exercises over sun protection.

And interestingly, it seems we are a nation still willing to risk our health for our appearance, with over half (56 percent) of respondents finding people with a tan more attractive, and 91 percent thinking that fashion influences people’s sunbathing habits.

Maria Tabou, Sun Awareness campaign officer at the British Association of Dermatologists said: “The vast majority of premature ageing is caused by excess sun exposure. Smoking also ages the skin, but the methods of prevention chosen by a quarter of people – such as using a moisturiser, drinking eight glasses of water a day, facial massage or facial exercises  – will have nowhere near the anti-ageing impact of sun protection.

“Many people don’t realise the extent to which UV irradiation can damage the skin. UV has strong links to skin cancer and also affects the elastin in the skin and leads to wrinkles and sun-induced skin ageing, for example leathery skin and uneven pigmentation.”

With skin cancer rates rising faster than any other cancers, the British Association of Dermatologists’ Sun Awareness campaign aims to educate the public and health professionals on ‘early detection’ of skin cancer, and where members of the public can seek help should they be concerned about their skin.

As part of this, the British Association of Dermatologists have created the ABCD-Easy guide to mole checks, to detect the signs of melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer. Look out for:

Asymmetry - the two halves of the area may differ in shape

Border - the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches

Colour - this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen

Diameter - most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor

Expert - if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS

Maria Tabou explained: “While many women are aware of the need to carry out self breast examinations, so few people check their skin for cancer. As skin cancer makes up a third of all cancer, we really need to address this.”

• Survey summary:
  • 44 percent are unable to recognise key signs of skin cancer, such as a mole growing or having an irregular border or colour.
  • 17 percent are unaware that you can get a mole checked for free
  • Only 34 percent check their moles at least once a month
  • A quarter never check their moles
  • 85 percent of respondents don’t realise that a third of UK cancers are skin cancer, with the majority thinking the figure is less than 1 in 10
  • 13 percent do not know that skin cancer is on the rise
  • 17 percent think that sunbeds might be a useful way of producing Vitamin D for the body
  • 24 percent chose moisturising, a healthy diet, 8 glasses of water a day, not drinking alcohol, or facial massage / facial exercises, over protecting skin from the sun as the most effective way to prevent premature skin ageing.
  • 56 percent of respondents find people with a tan more attractive
  • 91 percent think that fashion influences people’s sunbathing habits

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Note to editors:
Sun Awareness Week takes place from 5 – 11 May. We have case studies available to the media to complement feature articles. Spokespeople are available to comment on skin cancer. The Sun Awareness campaign runs throughout the summer.

For more information please contact:
Nina Goad, Communications Manager, Phone: 0207 391 6355, Email: nina@bad.org.uk
Maria Tabou, Sun Awareness, Phone: 0207 391 6342 Email: maria.tabou@bad.org.uk

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New statistics show that skin cancer is now the fastest growing cancer in the UK, and as early detection is crucial in its treatment, the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of mole checking through its ABCD-Easy guide to mole checks.

Malignant melanoma kills around two thousand people a year, and the Association is keen to promote the use of its easy to use mole check guidelines. TV favourite Anne Robinson is supporting the campaign and turning her no-nonsense approach to the nation’s skin. She said: “I doubt I would be here today if a dermatologist hadn’t spotted that the mole in the middle of my back looked dangerous. It wasn’t visible to me. It took two operations to clear my melanoma; the result of years of sunbathing when I was young without bothering too much about protection -or realizing the risk to someone as fair skinned as I am. I’m lucky to be alive.”

Anne’s case highlights the importance of checking you skin for signs of cancer, and the Association’s ABCD-Easy guide to mole checks focuses on the changes that may indicate a “melanoma” - the deadliest form of skin cancer:

Remember - if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. your GP can refer you via the NHS.

Asymmetry - the two halves of the area may differ in shape

Border - the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches

Colour - this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen

Diameter - most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor

Expert - if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “Early detection of skin cancer can make all the difference to successful treatment and by promoting how easy skin checking can be, literally as easy as ABC, we want to encourage more people to make it part of their health routine.”

Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating skin cancer, and BAD recommends reporting any unusual changes in your skin (not only those in its ABCDE guide) to your doctor so that a referral can be made. 

The vast majority of skin cancers are caused by excess exposure to the sun. In fact, more than four out of five cases of skin cancer are thought to be preventable. Simply being more aware of the general health of your skin and checking moles regularly – at least four times a year – could make all the difference.

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Note to editors:
The British Association of Dermatologists runs the annual Sun Awareness Week, this year May 5-11, and the Sun Awareness campaign throughout the summer. Case studies are available for the media to complement feature articles and spokespeople on skin cancer are also available on request.

Latest statistics on skin cancer and perceptions of the disease as result of a new survey are also available.

For more information about skin cancer and Sun Awareness, visit: http://www.bad.org.uk/public/cancer/

For more information, on mole checks or skin cancer and sun awareness, please contact:
Nina Goad at the British Association of Dermatologists: nina@bad.org.uk, 0207 391 6355
Maria Tabou at Sun Awareness: maria.tabou@bad.org.uk, 0207 391 6342

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