| >> Skin Cancer
Sun Awareness 
Sun Awareness is the British Association of Dermatologists' annual drive to promote sun safety messages. In 2008, Sun Awareness Week will start on May 5th, to coincide with Euromelanoma Day - a Europe-wide day of action on skin cancer prevention. If you would like to find out more, to receive leaflets about sun safety and skin cancer, or if you would like us to help you promote the sun safety message, do contact us on the details below.
See the latest Sun Awareness press releases here.
 This year, TV favourite Anne Robinson and actress Daisy Bates have joined forces with the Sun Awareness campaign to encourage people to look out for changing moles. Click here to learn more about who we are working with.
Key messages of the campaign
1. EARLY DETECTION
The importance of checking your moles, using the following ABCD E-asy rules. There are three types of skin cancer, and all look different. The following ABCD-Easy rules show you a few changes that might indicate a 'melanoma', which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. As skin cancers vary, you should tell your doctor about any changes to your skin, even if they are not similar to those mentioned here.
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
2. WHO CAN HELP
If there are any doubts about your skin, or a suspected skin cancer, see a dermatologist.
Campaign background
According to recent surveys by the British Association of Dermatologists, a significant number of people do not realise that it is possible to get a mole checked for free, instead thinking that checks for skin cancer can only be done privately.*
*[full survey results can be viewed here]
Therefore, this year’s Sun Awareness Week campaign, aimed at both the public and health professionals, will focus on ‘early detection’ of skin cancer, and where members of the public can seek help should they be concerned about skin cancer.
The British Association of Dermatologists is leading a two-pronged educational publicity programme to address the gaps in public and professionals’ knowledge surrounding:
1. early detection
2. access to care for possible skin cancers.
The public arm of the campaign focuses on early detection: self-checking for skin cancer and how to spot the signs of a melanoma, using the BAD’s “ABCD-Easy rules of mole checks” and other such user-friendly and easily memorable materials supplied by dermatologists. The campaign also advises the public on where to seek help, and who to expect to be referred to should there be any concerns.
The fact that a large number of people are not aware that they can have a suspicious mole checked free of charge is of real concern, and could pose a huge obstacle to the early detection of skin cancer in these individuals.
The BAD will also be providing spokespeople on general sun awareness advice, the dangers of sunbeds, and more.
The different types of skin cancer
There are two main categories of skin cancer - melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is less common than non-melanoma skin cancers, but is the most dangerous type. Non-melanoma skin cancers are mainly comprised of 'Basal Cell Carcinoma' (BCC) and 'Squamous Cell Carcinoma' (SCC). Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. At least 70,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
More worryingly, malignant melanoma, the deadliest form, is the most rapidly increasing cancer in western populations. In fact, studies in the UK suggest a doubling of melanoma rates every 10 to 20 years.
Melanoma kills 2,000 people a year – that’s equivalent to a bus load of people being killed every week. And it doesn’t just occur later in life, it is one of the most common cancers in the 20 to 40 age group.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer.
While sun safety messages in the past have tended to focus on malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer - BCCs can cause substantial morbidity and require disfiguring facial surgery. These lesions need to be treated correctly the first time when, if treatment is adequate, the cure rate is over 95 percent.
For any skin cancer, early detection is crucial and allows for more successful treatment.
Please note that Sun Awareness Week is a trademarked campaign of the BAD, so please do get in touch if you would like to publicise an event using the campaign name. We would love for you to get involved, but need to know the details of your event or promotion in advance. We do not endorse products but are happy to work with companies who wish to support the Sun Awareness campaign.
For more information about the Sun Awareness campaign, please contact:
Maria Tabou, Sun Awareness Media Officer, British Association of Dermatologists.
maria.tabou@bad.org.uk
0207 391 6342
Nina Goad, Communications Manager, British Association of Dermatologists.
Nina@bad.org.uk
0207 391 6355 / 07904 665 201
Our leaflets andf posters
As part of Sun Awareness Week 2007, The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and the British Skin Foundation ( BSF ) teamed up to provide information about sun awareness to the public. These leaflets are available free of charge in A5 leaflet or A3 poster. Please click here for more information.
Leaflets about the different types of skin cancer are also available (see 'Basal Cell Carcinoma', 'Squamous Cell Carcinoma' and 'Melanoma' in the Patient Information and Leaflets section on this website (select from the A-Z list), or contact us to receive them by post. If you would like any advice regarding your own Sun Awareness events, please do get in touch.
|
