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The cause of skin cancer is nearly always over exposure to ultraviolet radiation - from the sun or a sunbed.
- Ultraviolet radiation is reflected off light coloured surfaces, especially water, sand and snow - this increases its strength
- You can still get sunburnt through light cloud or under shallow water - protect yourself when swimming
- There is nothing healthy about a suntan. Your skin darkens because it has been damaged
- Most cases of skin cancer could be easily prevented
PROTECT YOURSELF AND FOLLOW THE SUN SAFETY CODE
- Cover Up - with loose, cool clothing to keep the sun off your skin. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim and 100% UV-blocking sunglasses (BS2724:1987)
- Protect Children - they are particularly vulnerable. Sunburn during childhood can lead to skin cancer later in life. Don't put sunscreen on babies as their skin is extremely sensitive and they may not be able to wash out the chemicals. Keep babies out of the sun completely
- Seek Shade - especially during the hottest part of the day, from 10am to 2pm
- Use a Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher on any exposed skin (ears, neck, back of the hands and feet). Use it half an hour before going outside and keep reapplying it generously every couple of hours
TAKE CARE NOT TO BURN
- sunburn causes permanent damage, the visible burns may heal but it increases your risk of skin cancer in later years
BE AWARE OF YOUR SKIN
If you have a mole that is changing size, shape, colour, itching or bleeding - see your doctor. If skin cancers are treated early, they should cause you no further problems.
TAKE SPECIAL CARE:
- of children and babies, they spend longer outdoors and burn easily
- if you have very pale skin, fair or red hair
- if you have a lot of moles or freckles
- if you have had skin cancer before, or have a family history of it
- if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors
FACT: Brown or black skinned people rarely get skin cancer, however they should still take care
FACT: The sun also causes thickening of the skin leading to premature ageing and wrinkles
FACT: Too much sun can also cause heat exhaustion, skin irritation and sun stroke - especially in the young.
Enjoy the sun but take it easy - skin cancer kills approximately 2500 people every year in the UK.
The Sun Know How campaign has been developed by The Health Education Authority ©BBC and Health education Authority 2000
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