The SunSmart code can help you protect your skin this summer:
- S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3
- M ake sure you never burn
- A im to cover up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses
- R emember to take extra care with children
- T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen or higher
Also, report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor
Know the risks
People most at risk of skin cancer tend to have:
- fair skin that burns in strong sun
- red or fair hair
- lots of moles or freckles
- a personal or family history of skin cancer
- experience of sunburn, especially when young
The strength of UV rays outdoors varies from day to day and according to the time of year. Find out how strong the sun is by looking at the UV Index. Your burn risk depends on the strength of UV rays and your skin type.
>>Don't use sunbeds<<
The sun is not the only source of dangerous UV rays. Sunbeds or tanning lamps are artificial sources of UV rays and can also damage your skin.
Read more about why you should not use them in our sunbed section.
Be aware of any changes
The advice in this section will help you avoid sun damage and skin cancer. But it is also important to look for any unusual changes that may be the early warning signs of cancer.
Report any mole changes or any other unusual skin growths to your doctor or practice nurse without delay.
Its also worth noting that the leading cause of wrinkles and skin ageing is uv exposure. That sun tan will add years to your face, as well as increasing your chance of skin cancer.
Kids cook quick!
How often have you seen small children running around on the beach with no protection from the sun? Or kids having a kick around in the park with their bare backs getting redder and redder?
Young skin is more delicate and vulnerable to damage. We also spend much more time outside in our first twenty years or so. So this is a crucial time to be SunSmart.
Schools and nurseries
Children spend their school lunchbreaks outdoors over the peak UV hours. So it is important to offer sun protection in the summer term. Schools can become more SunSmart by:
Parents
Kids are often too busy running around to worry about looking after their skin. But as a parent you can make a real difference to the damage your children receive early in life. On this site you can:
- find out why it is important for parents to protect their children's skin
- read tips about how you can keep children safe from the sun
- buy sunsmart children's hats online.
SunSmart game
Young people may also be interested in checking out our SunSmart game, quick as a flash. Players need quick reactions to protect our SunSmart character, Shelley, from burning.
SunSmart competition
This year the SunSmart campaign is focussing on men and outdoor workers. So sadly we are not running a schools competition in 2006. But we wanted to keep the lovely pictures from 2004 and 2005 on our website.
Download the wessex cancer trust leaflet on skin cancer here.
SunSmart - the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign. |
