Local male cancer charity MUG – Male Uprising Guernsey – has launched a sun safety campaign this summer to raise awareness around the importance of skin protection and early detection in preventing skin cancer.
With the island’s outdoor lifestyle and high UV index, skin cancer rates are higher than in the south of England.
A recent survey showed that nearly half of islanders reported at least one episode of sunburn in the last year.
‘The figure was more concerning for younger people aged 16-24 at 73%’ said Diane Matthews, strategic screening lead for public health.
‘The more episodes of sunburn increase cancer risk, so if people are burning from a young age, it is likely that the number of episodes of sunburn over a lifetime will also increase.’
Highlighting these findings, the campaign is sending a message of prevention and detection by focusing on three main actions – ‘Cream Up’ with an SPF 15 or higher and reapply regularly, ‘Cover Up’ with a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing, and ‘Cool Off’ by getting out of the sun when it is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
‘The numbers speak for themselves,’ said Dr Ed Partridge from the Healthcare Group.
‘I think that people do take it seriously, but they are still not doing exactly what they need to do.
‘We shouldn’t really be getting anyone with sunburns. Sun safety should be a standard part of everybody’s plan when they go out on a sunny day. The main bulk of skin cancers are directly related to sun exposure, and we have high rates already in Guernsey. This isn’t something that’s going to be a problem tomorrow, but in 10 years’ time the effects of sun start to manifest.’
Dr Partridge said that prevention was paramount, adding that islanders’ awareness of the early signs of skin cancer was low.
‘It’s vital to be familiar with what’s normal for your skin,’ he said.
‘Early detection is crucial – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.’
As part of its campaign, MUG is launching a Know Your Spots initiative, encouraging islanders to check their skin regularly and teaching them when to seek medical advice.
It has also supplied sunscreen to schools and organisations across the island, including dispensers at Victoria Park, golf clubs, The Guernsey Institute and The Rockmount and Cobo Bay Hotel – where it is one of the chosen beneficiaries of this year’s Balcony Gigs.
‘This is a great initiative to get behind for us,’ said Tony Tostevin from MUG.
‘We’re here to educate and inform the local community of what they need to look out for.’
Anyone who notices any changes or anything unusual on their skin is encouraged to speak to their GP and get it checked.
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