Free skin cancer awareness sessions

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as the weather across the UK heats up, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support, Boots and SKCIN to raise awareness about skin cancer and the importance of everyone, especially those working outdoors, to protect themselves.

HNYCA are running online awareness sessions for people to find out more about skin cancer and what to look for. The sessions are free and open to anyone from the Humber and North Yorkshire area and will last about 30 minutes. To book your place, please visit the Cancer Alliance Eventbrite page.

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the UK with over 220,000 cases diagnosed annually and that number continues to rise. Outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure and as a result are, on average at 60% greater risk of developing skin cancer. However, with simple precautions such as covering up with clothing and wearing sunscreen, this risk can be significantly reduced.

When the UV Index reaches three and above, SKCIN recommends following the five S’s approach to sun protection should be used to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer:

· Slip on clothing – the first line of defence against UV rays
· Slop on SPF 30+ UVA sunscreen and reapply every two hours
· Slap on a wide brimmed had to protect the scalp and shade the face and neck
· Slide on UV protective sunglasses to protect the eyes
· Shade – seek shade when possible, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV is at its strongest.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Cancer Champions Team at hny.cancerchampions@nhs.net.