MP has burning message for West Leeds youngsters

John Battle MP today issued a ‘red alert’ warning to local youngsters after learning more about sun safety from experts at Cancer Research UK.

The West Leeds MP attended a special ‘Molewatch Clinic’ at Westminster last week where he was given a stark warning about the risk that sunburn poses to young people.

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign mascot, a giant mole, handed out information about skin cancer to MPs urging them to get the message out to their constituents that sunburn can double the risk of the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

It is vital to be aware of any changes on your skin - says the charity. And it also advises anyone who notices a change in the size, colour or shape of an existing mole to have it checked out by a GP – especially if they are fair skinned and/or have lots of moles.

John Battle MP said “I was shocked to learn that malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – is now the most common cancer in young adults aged between 15 and 34.

“It’s so important for young adults and parents to take steps to protect their own skin and that of their children by covering up, spending some time in the shade and using sunscreen.

“Attending Cancer Research UK’s Molewatch Clinic really highlighted for me how important it is to enjoy the sun safely and to avoid burning. Even minor sunburn causes permanent damage beneath the skin.”

He added: “Anyone with concerns about a particular mole, freckle or patch of skin that has changed over a period of weeks or months should make sure they speak to their GP without delay.”

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, explained: “There are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease. In many cases people get sunburnt when they are just out and about in the sun and not deliberately sunbathing. It’s so easy to get ‘caught out’.”

“Rates of malignant melanoma have significantly increased in the last 25 years. But the majority of skin cancers could be prevented by being SunSmart, so it's very important to know how to enjoy the sun safely.”

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign encourages people to know their skin type and use the UV index to find out when they need to protect themselves.
It offers guidelines on how to be sensible in the sun:

- Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
- 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+ sunscreen

Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

For information on skin cancer and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign visit: www.sunsmart.org.uk

©John Battle MP 17 June 2008

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