Action Cancer warning over summer sunshine

Charity Action Cancer has again teamed up with Gordons Chemists to launch this year’s Safe Sun campaign.

On the back of record temperatures last month and as people across Northern Ireland flocked to local beauty hot spots, Action Cancer is warning to Stay Safe in the Sun this summer – no matter what the weather.

It is a common misconception that you only need to apply sun cream when the sun is out.

It is important to know that even on a cloudy day, when outdoors your skin is always at risk of damage from UV rays from the sun.

This skin damage can not only cause premature ageing, it significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Northern Ireland. Each year around 4,360 people are diagnosed with skin cancer and 399 develop the most serious type of skin cancer, known as malignant melanoma.

A total of 93 people die from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in Northern Ireland every year.

Unfortunately, the statistics show that incidence of skin cancer is increasing in Northern Ireland with men being at a greater risk than women in developing the disease.

Anne Thompson, Health Improve-ment Officer at Action Cancer, said: “We are encouraging people to protect themselves and their families as much as they can from skin damage from sun exposure.

“The use of a high factor sun cream, at least factor 30, covering up and staying out of the sun in the middle of the day, are all key to reducing your risk of skin damage.

“Love the skin you’re in and be vigilant of any changes. Contact your GP for follow up if you have any concerns because early detection saves lives.”

Melanie Talbot, Marketing Manager at Gordons Chemists, added: “Gordons Chemists is proud to support Action Cancer in delivering its Safe Sun message.

“Our community pharmacists have

been at the forefront of service delivery during the pandemic and are here to offer sun safety advice to our customers across all our 54 stores in Northern Ireland.”

Action Cancer’s Cancer Awareness programme, which includes infor-mation on skin cancer and sun safety, is available to organisations and community groups.

Counselling and complementary therapies are also on offer to anyone affected by a skin cancer diagnosis. Visit www.actioncancer.org or call 028 8090 3344 to find out more.