The New Forest has one of the highest rates of skin cancer (malignant melanoma) in England according to Public Health England.
To help reduce the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer in the district the council is aiming to raise sun awareness and outline simple measures people can take to reduce the risks of developing skin cancer. Nine out of 10 skin cancer cases are preventable if simple measures are followed.
The council also wants to encourage people to regularly self-examine for signs of skin cancer as the majority of skin cancers can be cured if detected early enough.
Sun awareness tips
Follow these simple steps to protect yourself in the sun:
Protect your skin using clothing – including a hat and UV protection sunglasses
Use a high protection sunscreen of at least SPF30 with a high UVA rating
Apply sunscreens generously and frequently:
– 20 minutes before exposure to the sun
– reapply once outside
– reapply every two hours
– reapply after towel drying, perspiring and swimming
Make sure sunscreen is applied to all exposed skin including neck, ears and feet
Seek shade when it is sunny between 11am and 3pm
Seek shade before your skin reddens or burns
Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
Check all your skin every month and tell your doctor about any changes to a mole or area of skin. If in doubt, always check it out!
