SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Men told to protect themselves against the sun

MEN who spend long periods of time outdoors are being urged to protect themselves against the sun this summer amid a rise in the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in the South West.

Farmers, builders, sportsmen and gardeners are all being targeted by NHS England South’s “Cover Up, Mate” campaign because of their prolonged exposure to the sun – and men are a particular focus because research indicates that they are much less likely than women to slap on the sunscreen.

Latest statistics from Cancer Research show that since the late 1970s, skin cancer rates have more than quadrupled (360 per cent increase) in Great Britain. The increase is larger in males where rates have increased more than six-fold (544 per cent increase), than in females where rates have more than tripled (263 per cent increase).

These increases are mirrored at Yeovil District Hospital where, in June, the specialists saw 140 suspected cases of skin cancer and 58 of those patients were diagnosed with a form of the disease (41 per cent). For the same month last year, a similar number of patients were seen but only 24 per cent were confirmed as skin cancer.

The South West has higher rates of malignant melanoma than the national average, with Somerset being reported at 44.40 per cent above the national average.

Skin cancer and dermatology clinical nurse specialist Mihaela Savu said: “I’ve heard the argument that people don’t cover up as they need Vitamin D. Yes it is important for our bodies and it comes from the sun, but we only need ten minutes exposure to get the amount we need.

“Sun cream and keeping covered are absolutely essential as sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer which can develop slowly over time. So while sunburn might feel better in a few days, it may have done long term damage which could be fatal.

“Remember to check your skin regularly for changing moles, including itching or bleeding, and if in doubt get checked out by your GP. Many of our referrals are patients who have been pressured to come in by family members.

“It is really important that we talk about it with relatives and friends and mention if you notice a mole that looks a bit different – it may be that person hasn’t noticed. You could save a life!”

Latest statistics from Public Health England show that in the South West there was a 31.9 per cent rise in incidence of malignant melanoma between 2009 and 2014, from 1,444 cases to 1,906 cases. There was also a 14.5 per cent rise in mortality from malignant melanoma, from 248 deaths in 2009 to 284 deaths in 2014.

NHS England South West medical director Caroline Gamlin said: “Being outdoors is clearly crucial for farmers, builders, gardeners, Post Office workers and others, and for people who take part in a lot of outdoor sport, but there are simple steps can be taken to lower the risk of skin cancer and be sun safe.

“Men in particular need to take much more care. They need to use at least factor 15 sunscreen and apply it generously on all exposed skin – not forgetting their necks, ears and bald patches!”

Top sun safe tips include:

Use at least factor 15 sunscreen in the sun and use plenty of it.

Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin – don’t forget your neck and ears and your head if you have thinning or no hair.

Wear sunglasses and a hat.

Take particular care if have fair skin, moles or freckles, red or fair hair, or light-coloured eyes.

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