MORE THAN 85% OF LIVERPUDLIANS DON’T KNOW THE SKIN CANCER WARNING SIGNS

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AN INDEPENDENT REGIONAL SURVEY* HAS REVEALED THAT 87.5% OF PEOPLE IN MERSEYSIDE ARE UNAWARE OF THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER DESPITE THE REGION BEING DUBBED THE UK’S SKIN CANCER CAPITAL.

The survey was commissioned by North West Cancer Research, as part of its #suncreamselfie awareness campaign encouraging people to stay safe in the sun this summer.

Results show that one third of those surveyed revealed they have never checked their skin for signs of skin cancer, despite 82% admitting to having been sunburned.

The survey also revealed that one in five people in the region don’t use sun cream when it’s sunny in the UK, preferring to only use sun cream when abroad.

Finally, 58% revealed they have used a sunbed, which is 10% more than any other region in the North West of England. Alarmingly 94% of sunbed users are aware of the skin cancer risks associated, and still choose to use them.

Latest statistics reveal that between 2013 and 2015 119 people in Liverpool were diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer, an increase of 10% since 2012. Between 2013 and 2015 there 14 skin cancer deaths in the city.**

Liverpool is ahead of the curve for rising skin cancer rates, as nationally, Incidence rates for melanoma skin cancer are projected to rise by 7% in the UK between 2014 and 2035.**

Liverpool-based charity, North West Cancer Research has launched its #suncreamselfie awareness campaign this month to help tackle these rising rates and encourage people to think about covering up before they head out in the sun.

The charity is urging people all over the North West to get creative when applying sun cream, take a selfie and upload it to social media with the hash tag #suncreamselfie.

Stars from reality TV show Real Housewives of Cheshire Katie Kane (pictured) Rachel Lungo and Tanya Bardsley have already backed the campaign sharing their #suncreamselfies online.

North West Cancer Research has partnered with local businesses such as John Lennon Airport and schools including the Belvedere Academy to help take its message direct to the public via a number of roadshows.

Alastair Richards, CEO North West Cancer Research, added: “By raising awareness of skin cancer, its symptoms and the associated risk factors of over exposure to UV rays, we hope we can encourage people to stay safe in the sun and reduce the number of skin cancer cases in Merseyside and across the North West.”

The #suncreamselife campaign will educate people about the early warning signs of skin cancer and the importance of visiting their GP as soon as they have any concerns.

Mr Rowan Pritchard Jones, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Whiston Hospital who is currently working on a skin cancer research project funded by NWCR, said: “It is important to remember that over exposure to harmful UV rays can potentially lead to skin cancer, which is why people should be sensible when spending time in the sun, both abroad and here in the UK.

“Skin cancer is one of the biggest cancer killers in the UK, but if it is caught early enough then as with all cancers, patients can have a good prognosis. Changes in your moles, as well as the appearance of new moles and skin blemishes, are potential markers of skin cancer. Get to know your skin and make sure you check it regularly for any changes.

“The ABCDE method of checking is an easy rule to remember when checking your skin. It stands for;

  • Asymmetry: does the mole look uneven or misshapen
  • Border: is the edge of the mole blurred?
  • Colour: is it a mix of shades, has your mole darkened since the last time you checked?
  • Diameter: is it bigger than 6mm?
  • Elevation or enlargement: has it changed in shape or become raised above the skin’s surface?

“You should always also look out for itching, bleeding and crusting and contact your GP straight away if you spot these symptoms, who will usually refer you to a skin specialist.”

Visit North West Cancer Research’s #suncreamselfie campaign landing page to find out more or share your own #suncreamselfie, using the hashtag.

Related feature: Why you need sun block in your life (even more than you thought).

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