Sunbathing
The sun gives us a sense of well-being and relaxation, but unfortunately we now know that the sun can cause serious skin damage. A tan, for so long thought to be healthy and attractive, is in fact our body's reaction to damage from over exposure to UVR - there is no such thing as a safe tan.

We all know that the sun radiates light and heat, but it also emits other invisible rays. Most of these are absorbed by the Earth's upper atmosphere, but some get through in the form of ultraviolet radiation. It is well known that this can cause sunburn and early ageing, but there is now evidence that ultraviolet radiation can cause more permanent damage to our skin that can result in skin cancer.

The last twenty years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of cases of skin cancer. In the UK, the number of new cases has nearly doubled. We now have over 40,000 new cases and over 2000 deaths every year from skin cancer. Though statistically it is the second most common form of cancer, many experts think it is probably the most common because many minor cases are not officially registered.
Nowadays however most cases of skin cancer are completely curable. Nine out of ten cases are NON-MELANOMA of which there are two types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are rarely fatal if treated early, and they tend to appear on the more exposed parts of the body in later life. It is thought that they arise as a result of cumulative exposure to the sun and are therefore more common in older people and those who have spent much of their time outdoors, for instance agricultural workers.
One in ten cases, however, are the more dangerous MALIGNANT MELANOMAS. These spread rapidly and can kill if not treated quickly. They can often be linked to sunburn or occasional overexposure, and are more common in younger people. For this reason children and infants, who tend to spend more time outdoors, need special care.

Skin Colour
Your skin produces a pigment called melanin when exposed to the sun. It is your ability to produce melanin that decides whether you tan easily or not. Fair haired people tend to produce less melanin than dark people. The amount of protection that a tan can give is however very limited, and by the time your skin tans much of the damage has already been done.

Your skin colour is a major factor in the risk of skin cancer:

High Risk: People with pale freckled skin, blue eyes, fair or red hair, who tend to burn easily.
Medium Risk: People with darker hair and eyes, who tend to tan easily.
Low Risk: People with black or brown skin, who virtually never burn.

Protect and Survive

Skin cancer is mainly preventable. Most cases are as a direct result of overexposure to the sun, either in short intense doses resulting in sunburn, or a slower cummulative build up. By taking more care to protect our skin and that of our children, we can greatly reduce the risk.

Take care not to burn. Sunburn is painful and unsightly, and the damage may be permanent with serious long-term effects.
Seek shade around noon. This is when the sun is most intense. Don't be fooled by a cool breeze, or light cloud - on an overcast day there can still be 80% of the ultraviolet radiation present.
Cover up. The best way to protect your skin is to put a physical barrier between yourself and the sun. Clothes are the simplest form of defence. Choose a tightly woven cloth to block the rays and a loose fit to keep you cool. A wide brimmed hat is essential to cover the nose, ears and neck - the most common sites for skin cancer. Eyes need protection too, especially from the reflected glare from water or snow.
Take special care of children and babies. Sunburn during childhood can lead to skin cancer in later life. Children spend more time outdoors, and they may not be aware of the strength of the sun.
Use a high factor sunscreen, SPF15 or above. Make sure it is broad spectrum to protect you from UVA and UVB. Apply it generously, before you go out in the sun, and re-apply regularly.
Remember, you are not only at risk on holiday abroad.

Whatever your outdoor activity, be it sport, gardening or simply walking to work or the shops, be aware of the sun, and protect yourself.