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Child applying suncreamSkin Cancer

 

Skin cancer is currently a growing problem in the UK. In Cumbria, 1 in 177 males and 1 in 204 women will develop a melanoma (an aggressive type of skin cancer) at some point in their life. For both men and women, skin cancer is the second most common cancer in the district. A report on Cancer in Cumbria (2008) can be accessed here.

Men are most likely to develop skin cancer on their neck,  shoulders and back - whereas women are more likely to develop skin cancer on their legs and arms.

It is now illegal for under-18s to use sunbeds. The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act, which came into force in April 2011, prevents under 18s from:

  • being allowed to use tanning salons and sunbeds at premises including beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels
  • being offered the use of a sunbed
  • being allowed to be in an area that is reserved for sunbed users

Advice

Skin Cancer (Melanoma) - Information from NHS Choices.

Skin Cancer (Non Melanoma) - Information from NHS Choices.

Cancer of the Skin - Cumbria Partnership.

BBC - Advice on skin cancer symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Cancer Research - Advice on risks and myths surrounding sunbed usage.

British Medical Association - Information on sunbed health risks.

Macmillan - Information on skin cancer, including how it is diagnosed, treatments you might have, possible side effects and how to get further support.

Support

Local Cancer Support Groups - Information from NHS Cumbria.

Marie Curie Cancer Care -Support for patients and carers

Teenage Cancer Trust - Support for young people with cancer.