Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK) more than 75,000 new cases are registered each year in the UK. The most virulent form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, has seen the largest increase in incidence rates of any cancer, having more than doubled over the last 20 years. Approximately over 2,300 people die from skin cancer each year in the UK.
Unlike most malignancies, malignant melanoma is more common in women than men. In 2004 it was the sixth most common cancer in females and the tenth in males. Over the last twenty-five years, the incidence of malignant melanoma has increased more than for any other major cancer in the UK. Male rates increased almost five times from 1975 to 2004, while the female rates more than tripled.
Like most cancers, skin cancer is more common with increasing age, but melanoma is disproportionately high in younger people. Almost one third of all cases of melanoma occur in people under 50 and melanoma is the most common cancer in young adults (aged 15-34).
Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Relatively small changes to the way people behave in the sun can lead to a considerable reduction in personal risk. Protecting the skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, using a sunscreen with appropriate sun protection factor, wearing a hat and avoiding the sun at certain times are all recommended as primary preventive activities by cancer agencies across the world.
Studies show that most people are aware of the risks associated with sun exposure, but that they need constant reminders to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. Therefore educational programmes aimed at reducing exposure to ultraviolet light and to improving people’s knowledge and attitudes to sun protective behaviours are central to addressing the rising incidence of skin cancer.
The CIEH believes that local authorities and health departments have a key role to play in getting the messages across and protecting people from risk. An effective prevention strategy has three main components:
- Promotion of ‘sun safe’ behaviour – public education about the health hazards of UVR exposure and what can be done to reduce risk
- Environmental measures – structural changes to provide protection from the sun by providing adequate shade, monitoring to ensure the controlled use of sun tanning establishments
- Early detection – public education to emphasise the importance of early reporting of potentially dangerous lesions
- In May 2005 the CIEH held a national conference, Saving our Skins to raise awareness of the issues and provide support to environmental and public health practitioners in this vital area of their work.
The Saving our Skins Toolkit, launched at the conference, is designed to help professionals working in local authorities, primary care trusts, local health boards and cancer networks to develop strategies and campaign programmes to tackle skin cancer.
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