Macmillan Cancer Support’s mobile service is stopping off in North Yorkshire, from Wednesday 19th to Friday 21st August, where the team will be encouraging everyone to stay safe in the sun and raising awareness of how to protect your skin and your children’s skin against damage.
No appointment is necessary, and anyone is welcome to drop in with concerns or questions about cancer or staying safe in the sun.
Details of the Visit:
- Wednesday 19th August 2015 York, Parliament Street (near M&S), YO1 8NB 10am to 4pm
- Thursday 20th August 2015 Scarborough, Aberdeen Walk (pedestrian area adjacent to Clintons), YO11 1XP 10am to 4pm
- Friday 21st August 2015 Whitby, New Quay Road, YO21 1DH 9am to 3pm
Last year, Macmillan research showed that 40% of people in the UK said they burn their skin in the sun on purpose to “deepen” a tan2 despite the fact that getting painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of skin cancer (melanoma)3.
According to figures released in 2013 by Public Health England, the number of hospital admissions for skin cancer treatment in England has increased by 41% in the past five years. The number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma in the UK, the most serious type of skin cancer, has risen to around 35 people being diagnosed every day1.
What Macmillan Cancer Support says.
Helen Whiteley, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the unit, says, “We will be advising people in North Yorkshire on the importance of avoiding sun burn and how they can be safe in the sun. Whilst those with fair skin are most at risk we want people to understand that everyone needs to protect their skin from harmful rays.
“Children love being active in the Sun and adults need to protect them from blistering sunburn that can increase the chances of developing skin cancer in later life. We will be offering information and support to let you know how to keep them safe”
“Our top tips for sun safety are,
- using sun creams with a high sun protection factor (of at least SPF 30 for adults and SPF 50 for children),
- wearing sun protective clothing (including hats and sunglasses)
- staying in the shade between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
More information and support is available from the team. Please come and see us to learn more.”
What should people do if they currently have a concern about their skin?
“If you have any unusual marks on the skin such as a lump or scaly patch that lasts for more than a few weeks, or a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, or crusts or bleeds, then we would advise you to visit your GP. Although it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is always best to be sure.”
Unfortunately the team are not able to perform skin or mole checks and we would advise you visit your GP immediately if you are concerned about any changes in your skin.
If you cannot visit the unit when it comes to North Yorkshire but have questions about cancer, or want to find out more about the associated risks or signs and symptoms of skin cancer and malignant melanoma, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00.
