A HUDDERSFIELD nurse is urging people to stay out of the sun.
Suzanne Hinchliffe, a dermatology nurse at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, is backing a new anti-tanning campaign.
The Cancer Research UK Sunsmart campaign is aimed at keeping children safe in the sun.
A recent study by Cancer Research UK showed men aged 15 to 34 are most likely to be diagnosed with a melanoma on the chest and stomach.
Four out of 10 male cases in Yorkshire were found on this part of the body.
Young women aged 15 to 34 are most likely to get them on their hips and legs, similarly four out of 10 diagnosed cases in the region are found there.
Suzanne, who has been working as a dermatology nurse for 18 years said: “We all love the sun and it makes us feel better, but it is also about being sensible and taking precautions when we are in it.
“Applying sun cream and blockers help protect against harmful sun rays.”
Prolonged sun-bed use and excessive time in the sun are recognised by Cancer Research UK as the most common causes of skin melanomas and other skin cancers.
Suzanne said: “A tan is caused by sun rays damaging the skin cells.
“If people want a tan they should apply the tanning creams or sprays as a safe alternative.
“When I see little children with red, sunburned skin it makes me very upset indeed.”
According to Cancer Research UK, most people think about sunburn as something that happens in hot places, but most cases of sunburn happen in the UK, rather than abroad.
Many cases happen when people are outdoors, watching sport, walking or gardening rather than deliberately ‘sunbathing’.
Damaged DNA can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.
Getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer.
The body’s attempt to repair this cell damage is what causes the painful symptoms of a sunburn.
Suzanne said that early detection is essential.
She said: “Anyone with new skin moles which have increased in size, are irregular in shape, with blurry edges or are multicoloured should visit their GP to have them checked and assessed as to whether the moles should be removed under local anaesthetic for testing and subsequent treatments.”
Suzanne advised the following:
Use Factor 30+ at least.
Use Products which have a four or five star rating which protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Re-apply creams often, every two to three hours.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11am and 3pm.
Wear a hat with a brim rather than a peak – to protect ears, nose and neck.
Wear long sleeves and trousers.
