| SUNBED SAFETY WARNING AS THE BRONZING SEASON BEGINS |
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SUNBED SAFETY WARNING AS THE “BRONZING SEASON” BEGINS AS EAGER Brits look forward to a sun-soaked summer, Cancer Research UK is urging people to beware of the health and beauty time bomb that comes from topping up their tans. While people are becoming increasingly familiar with the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, many are still unaware of the serious health risks posed by sunbeds. In fact, using a sunbed once a month or more can increase your risk of skin cancer by more than half. Short periods of intense, irregular exposure to UV, as you would get from a sunbed, are the fastest way to damage and age the skin. The intensity of some UV rays from sunbeds can be up to 15 times higher than that of the midday sun. As part of its 2008 SunSmart campaign, Cancer Research UK is raising awareness of the dangers of using sunbeds, as well as warning people about over-exposure to the sun and how to enjoy the sun safely. With more than 100,000 new cases of skin cancer registered each year, the charity is aiming to highlight the ways people can reduce their risk of the disease, particularly those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles or a family history of skin cancer, who are most at risk. Rebecca Russell, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Every time you use a sunbed you’re exposing yourself to powerful UV radiation. Repeated exposure to UV damages the DNA in your skin cells, which increases your risk of skin cancer and makes your skin age faster.” Actor Andy Newton Lee knows all about the dangers of sunbathing and using sunbeds. He regularly did both throughout his teens and early twenties and was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, in 2004. Andy says: “I never dreamed I could get skin cancer. I was young and I tanned easily so I didn’t think I was at risk. I understand more than anybody the reasons for wanting to get a tan, but the long-term damage just isn’t worth it. There’s nothing to stop you enjoying the sun, but do it safely, take care not to burn and don’t use sunbeds. “It’s also really important to look out for changes on your skin. Make sure you get any mole changes and unusual skin growths looked at by a doctor as soon as you can. My melanomas were more like dark spots rather than moles, but I knew they didn’t look right. Men are generally pretty bad at visiting the doctor but I was lucky to have caught my skin cancer relatively early. I’d advise everyone to keep an eye on their moles, ask their partner to check any difficult-to-see areas and visit their GP about anything suspicious.” Rebecca Russell adds: “We know that men aren’t as good as women at checking themselves but finding skin cancer early saves lives so it’s equally important for everybody to be vigilant”. To enjoy being outside in the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer, follow the SunSmart messages: Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm Make sure you never burn Aim to cover up with a T shirt, hat and sunglasses Remember to take extra care with children Then use factor 15 plus sunscreen Also…report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor. Whether you are a sunbed user or not, you can find information on enjoying the sun safely, skin cancer and what to look out for at Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website, www.sunsmart.org.uk. |
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