Skin Cancer Awareness Month Concludes
The late May bank holiday sees the best weather of the year so far and glorious sunshine ironically coinciding with the last day of the annual ‘Skin Cancer Awareness Month’.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an annual event organised by the American Skin Cancer Foundation, with the objective of raising awareness and understanding of how to prevent, detect and treat skin cancer.
With lockdown restrictions easing and warmer weather finally arriving, Brits are flocking to the gardens and beaches to get some warmth and sunshine. Experts are advising them to heed the warnings about practicing safe sun.
The AAD say that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. accounting for 5 million cases diagnosed a year. It is also the most common form of cancer in the UK, where there are over 150,000 diagnoses every year.
UV exposure from the sun and sunbeds is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer and unprotected exposure is especially dangerous, as 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
#PracticeSafeSun
In support of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggest 3 simple measures to protect the skin:
- Seek shade when appropriate. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 11-3pm in the UK, so that’s a good time to come indoors or ensure you’re well protected under an umbrella or awning
- Wear sun-protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt, trousers or long skirt, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
- Apply sunscreen choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Apply at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
The Big See®
The Skin Cancer Awareness Month campaign this year sees the launch of The Big See campaign which is designed to empower everyone to get to know their skin, checking regularly for anything that is
- New moles or blemishes – especially after age 21
- Changing moles or blemishes – including alteration in colour, shape, size or texture
- Unusual appearance or behaviour e.g. itching, hurting, crusty or bleeding for more than 3 weeks.
8-Step Mole Check
The Big See® campaign recommends following a particular sequence to ensure your mole check is thorough. Use a full-length mirror and ensure good lighting. You will also find a hand mirror useful for areas you can’t see easily such as your back, or get a friend or family member to help if you can.
- Face – especially nose, lips, mouth and ears (don’t forget behind each ear as well)
- Scalp – use the second mirror and a comb or hairdryer to expose each section to view
- Hands – including palms and backs, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Continue up the wrists to the forearms.
- Arms – continue from the elbows all the way up the arms, including underarms
- Torso – check the neck, chest and torso including beneath the breasts
- Upper back – including the back of your neck, shoulders and any part of the back of your upper arms you haven’t already checked
- Lower back – including buttocks and backs of both legs.
- Legs – including thigs, shins, knees, feet, between the toes and under toenails
You should scan every inch of the body including genital area and bits that never see the sun, so if there’s anything you’ve missed then do check it.
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons. Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
Treatment using freezing, laser or surgical techniques is available at Skin Surgery Laser Clinic who have a selection of locations conveniently based in London and Bristol. All procedures are carried out by highly trained and experienced doctors and surgeons.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.