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Skin Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and educate the public about the ways to help prevent skin cancer.
This is an annual awareness campaign that takes place every May. UV exposure from the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer and also one of the most preventable. This campaign hopes to reduce instances of skin cancer and increase the likelihood of early detection.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are two main types of skin cancer:
Non melanoma skin cancer (which includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and other rare types) and melanoma skin cancer.
Top Causes of Skin Cancer
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. This may be long term exposure, or short periods of intense sun exposure and burning. There are several factors that affect your risk from sun exposure including:
- how much time you spend outdoors
- your natural skin colour
Sun exposure can also be in the form of sunbeds (artificial UV radiation). People who use sunbeds are also at risk of developing skin cancer.
Age is also a factor. The older you are, the more likely you are to get non melanoma skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Facts:
Here are some skin cancer facts to consider:
- Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
- Even when it’s cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage.
- The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Here are some sun tips for you to look after yourself when out and about
- Stay in the shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
- Can’t stay in the shade? Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin.
- Remember to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or towelling off.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Tell your doctor if you notice a change to a mole, freckle or a normal patch of skin.
Doctors use a checklist which explains some of the signs of melanoma to look out for. It's called the ABCDE list. We highly recommend you look at CRUK's list here
We also recommend you watch CRUK’s video on sunburn below and how to look after yourself.
