Dr Brian Iddon MP urges constituents to stay safe in the sun

Bolton South East MP, Dr Brian Iddon is backing Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign and encouraging his constituents to learn about skin cancer and how to stay safe in the sun this summer .

Dr Iddon said:

“Although we don’t seem to have had much sun yet this summer it is important to remember that getting burnt either when the sun comes out in the UK or when sunbathing abroad can be very dangerous. All types of sunburn can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage and can double your risk of skin cancer.

“I urge my constituents to speak to their GP if they have concerns about a particular mole, freckle or patch of skin that has changed over a period of weeks.”

A national survey for SunSmart - the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK - found that 30 per cent of 16-24 year olds said that they were certain to get sunburnt on their summer holiday. And a further 30 per cent said that they might get sunburnt.

The survey questioned 2000 men and women of all ages throughout Britain about their sunbathing habits.  Overall more that a quarter of adults (27%) thought getting burnt was all part of getting a tan.

Rebecca Russell, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, said:

"Getting sunburnt increases the risk of skin cancer in general, but the kind of sunbathing binges that happen when people go to much hotter climates and bake on the beach is particularly dangerous. This kind of short intense exposure to the sun, leading to burning, particularly increases the risk of malignant melanoma. And each year in Britain almost 2000 people die from this form of skin cancer."

To reduce the risk of skin cancer and enjoy being out in the sun, the SunSmart campaign encourages people to know their skin type and use the UV index to find out when they need to protect themselves.  They should also follow the SunSmart key messages:

- S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3

- M ake sure you never burn

- A im to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses

- R emember to take extra care with children

- T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen

Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

1. For more information on skin cancer and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign is available from Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website: www.sunsmart.org.uk or 0207 0618300

2. The National Survey referred to was commissioned by cancer Research UK and undertaken by BMRB Omnibus between the dates 2nd – 11th February 2007, conducted over the telephone among 2000 adults aged 16 +. Results were weighted in order to make them nationally representative.