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MPs get SunSmart at our Molewatch Clinic

On Wednesday 11th June, Cancer Research UK held a Molewatch Clinic in Westminster. The clinic offered MPs, Lords and members of staff from the parliamentary estate the opportunity to have their skin checked by dermatologist s and skin cancer nurses, who volunteered to help at the event. The clinic, run in conjunction with the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Department at the Houses of Parliament, aimed to raise awareness about being SunSmart in the summer sun.

Nearly 140 people visited the clinic, including 62 MPs, who had their photograph taken with our giant mole to highlight the importance of being SunSmart to their constituency members through their local media.

Cancer Research UK runs the national skin cancer prevention campaign SunSmart, which provides information about skin cancer, sun protection and early detection to the public and to health professionals.

The event highlighted the particular risk sunburn poses to young people. Experts believe that sunburn during childhood can significantly increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. This is now the most common cancer in young people aged 15-34.

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, explained: “There are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease. In many cases people get sunburnt when they are just out and about in the sun and not deliberately sunbathing. It’s so easy to get ‘caught out’.”

“Rates of malignant melanoma have significantly increased in the last 25 years. But the majority of skin cancers could be prevented by being SunSmart, so it's very important to know how to enjoy the sun safely.”

To reduce the risk of skin cancer and enjoy being out in the sun, the SunSmart campaign encourages people to know their skin type and use the UV index to find out when they need to protect themselves. They should also follow the SunSmart key messages:

S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3

M ake sure you never burn

A im to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses

R emember to take extra care with children

T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen

Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

More information on skin cancer and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign is available from Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website: www.sunsmart.org.uk.