Sun protection - but don't rely on sunscreen alone

More than 75,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, according to the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). And it predicts that that incidence of skin cancer will treble in the next 30 years, with climate change likely to exacerbate the problem.

"The number of people getting skin cancer is rising dramatically, so it is vitally important that everyone is aware of how to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun," said the ICR's Professor Richard Marais. "Most cases of skin cancer can be avoided, and if caught early enough the disease can be treated."

Meanwhile, to help consumers make informed choices about what sort of sun protection to use, the European Union has introduced a new sunscreen labelling regime. Sunscreen labels claiming they offer "100% sun protection" or act as a "sunblock" are to be phased out across the EU.

"There is no such thing as 100 percent protection and we need to reinforce that essential message, " said Consumer Protection Commissioner Meglena Kuneva.

Alongside traditional sun protection factor (SPF) values, products will display information on protection against UVA radiation, which causes premature skin ageing and interferes with the immune system. Sunscreens will have to say whether they offer either "low," "medium," "high," or "very high" protection levels.
"When applied properly, sunscreens can help to protect against skin cancer, but alone they are not enough," Kuneva said. "Other sensible precautions include avoiding long periods of exposure, staying in the shade at peak hours and protecting yourself with a hat and sunglasses."

If you notice any of the following changes you should visit your GP immediately:

• New sores and lumps that do not heal after a month
• Spots or sores that bleed, itch, develop a crust or hurt
• Unexplained skin ulcers
• New or existing moles that: are a range of shades of brown and black; are larger than 6mm in diameter; have jagged edges; bleed or ooze; appear to be growing or changing shape.

Remember though that most melanomas do not arise out of moles, so any unexplained change to your skin should not be ignored.

Find out more about the ICR's SAFE - Skin Awareness For Everyone campaign.

Or go to Cancer Research UK's SunSmart website for information about staying safe in the sun.

Here are the top tips to keep skin and sun aware:

• Cover up in the sun and stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm
• Wear factor 15+ sunscreen
• Take extra care with children and if you have fair skin
• Regularly check your skin for new moles or changes to existing moles or skin
• Visit your GP immediately if you notice any unusual changes to your skin or moles