Safety in the Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people getting it is increasing.There are 70,000 new cases diagnosed annually and over 2,000 people die from skin cancer every year.

Most skin cancers are caused by damaging UV rays in sunlight. The sun gives out a range of different forms of energy, which includes rays of visible light as well as infra-red and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

UV radiation cannot be seen but it can damage the skin and increase the risk of sunburn, premature aging and cancer.

When exposed to the sun, skin cells produce a pigment called melanin. Dark skin has naturally high levels of melanin, whereas pale skin produces melanin as a ’defense’ when exposed to sunlight, thus making the skin appear darker (creating a suntan). Melanin produced in this way gives very little extra protection, however, and is a sign that the skin has been damaged.

The good news is we can prevent skin cancers if we protect ourselves from the sun.

So with summer and hopefully good weather on the way remember the Sun SMART  code !!

Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
Make sure you never burn
And cover up
Remember to take extra care with children
Then use 15+ sun screen

and also report any changes to moles or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor

Sun Safety in Cheshire East

See the Healthy living page for further information on keeping safe in the sun

The former Congleton Borough Council received national recognition in a "Saving Our Skins Toolkit" produced by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health for the sun safety campaign that was initiated in the former Congleton Borough in 2004. The "Be Safe in the Sun" campaign aimed to raise the public's awareness to the risks of over exposure to the sun. The campaign was aimed particularly at children and outdoor workers. Skin cancer, in terms of incidence, is the most common form of cancer in the UK (Department of Health 2003). In 2004 the Department of Health stated that there were over 40,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, of which 6,000 were caused by over exposure to the sun. The clinical symptoms of skin cancer can take up to 20 years to appear, so taking preventative steps at an early age is fundamental to tackling the incidence of the disease. Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

A leaflet on sun safety has been produced called Be Safe in the Sun (PDF, 286KB). This leaflet was produced using Department of Health guidance to give advice on preventing skin cancer which can be caused by over exposure to the sun. A copy of the leaflet was given to every child at all the primary schools within the Borough and copies were also available at pre-schools, nurseries, secondary schools, doctors surgeries, leisure centres, libraries and information centres. Posters on sunsafety were also given to each school to display to the children.

All the builders merchants in the former Borough were supplied with leaflets produced by the Health and Safety Executive which give advice to outdoor workers on the risks of working in the sun. These leaflets were put on display for their customers.

In 2008 the Council provided sachets of sun cream at local leisure centres, paddling pools and at local park play events where outdoor activites were taking place.

For any further help or advice contact the Health Improvement team