The 58% of British youths who do not know how to correctly apply sun cream are the target of a Manchester Airport campaign later this month as skin cancer cases continue to rise.
Incidences of skin cancer are increasing in the UK more quickly than any other cancer, with around 35 people diagnosed with skin cancer every day, a total of nearly 13,000 a year.
In the 15-24 age group it is the third most common cancer in females and the sixth most common in males across the UK.
From June 23-29, ‘Shunburn’ will be on display in Terminal One of the UK’s third busiest airport as the Teenage Cancer Trust partners the Manchester Dermatology Centre to combat a worrying trend.
“Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early,” said Professor Chris Griffiths, director of the Dermatology Research Centre at The University of Manchester and consultant dermatologist at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
“One of the main causes of skin cancer is sunburn. Preventing this will go a long way to reducing the risk of skin cancer and of developing wrinkles and other signs of premature ageing.”
Using a high SPF sunscreen with the UVA circle sunscreen daily is the best way to avoid sunburn while checking your skin regularly for changes in the appearance of any moles is good practice, added Professor Griffiths.
More survey statistics showed 15% incorrectly believe using sunbeds to build up a ‘base tan’ before going on holiday prevents burning while away, plus 11% incorrectly believe that sun beds are safe if only used once a week.
A sun safety teaching pack can be downloaded for schools to use for free at www.teenagecancertrust.org/shunburn, while Teenage Cancer Trust also offers a free burn alert text message service which reminds young people to stay safe in the sun during the hottest days of the year. To sign-up text BURN2 to 70300.
For more information see www.manchesterairport.co.uk or www.teenagecancertrust.org/shunburn
Main image courtesy of Jolene Battye via YouTube, with thanks.
