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Briefings: sun awareness

Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease, but the number of cases has more than doubled in the UK since the early '80s.

The SunSmart Campaign

The growth in UK incidence rates over the past twenty years is a clear indication of the need for continuing public education on how to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and how to detect the early signs. Cancer Research UK's SunSmart Campaign, run with the support of the UK Health Departments, aims to raise awareness of skin cancer and to encourage people to protect their own and their children's skin in the sun.

Cancer Research UK calls on the Government to commit core-funding to a long-term, nationwide, skin cancer prevention campaign.

You can visit our SunSmart website by clicking here.

GP referral and specialist nurses

As awareness of the early signs and symptoms of skin cancer increases in the population, GPs will be on the front line of skin cancer detection. Cancer Research UK urges the Government to investigate ways of ensuring that GPs are referring cases to dermatology services appropriately.

Investment in dermatology services will also be necessary to prepare for the projected increase in skin cancer cases. This includes increasing the numbers of dermatologists and clinical nurse specialists in skin cancer, especially in areas of the UK that have high post vacancies.

The dangers of sunbeds

Cancer Research UK is particularly concerned by the current high level of use of tanning devices for cosmetic purposes, especially by young people. Adults are free to make their own decisions about using sunbeds, but they should do so knowing the risks involved. Strict guidelines should be clearly displayed wherever sunbeds are used.

The use of artificial tanning devices should be restricted to over-18s and unmanned coin-operated sunbeds should be phased out.

Cancer Research UK also believes that the Government should consider the feasibility of regulating the operation of sunbed salons, for example through licensing.

For more information, read the policy statement in full, or visit our Sunsmart website.

Consultations

Cancer Research UK has responded to several consultations on sunbed policy and skin cancer. To find out more about our responses to these consultations, please click on one of the links below: