Trust marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month with sun safety message
May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is encouraging the public to take simple but important steps to protect their skin and to seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual.
Skin cancer mainly includes three types; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is a less common skin cancer, but the most serious due to its ability to spread if not detected early.
The Trust has teamed up with Colette Sloan from Coleraine, who shared her experience following a skin cancer diagnosis.
“I noticed I had a new mole on the back of my upper arm, and it was different to other moles on my body, as it was quite brown and black in colour and uneven around the edges,” said Colette.
After returning from holiday, she contacted her GP and was referred to dermatology for further investigation. Colette is now urging others not to ignore potential warning signs:
“Early detection is so important, so please seek medical advice, and if it turns out to be nothing, well at least you have peace of mind,” she said.
The Trust is reminding people that protecting skin from harmful UV rays is key.
Simple measures include wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and a UV rating of 4 or higher, seeking shade particularly between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect the ears and back of the neck, using sunglasses with a CE mark, and avoiding the use of sunbeds.
Amy Arthurs, Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse with the Trust, said protecting your skin does not have to be complicated.
She explained, “There are some really simple steps people can take to protect their skin in the sun, and it is important that everyone is aware of these measures.”
Amy also highlighted the importance of early detection:
“When found early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Awareness is the first step in prevention, and early detection can save lives,” she said.
As the summer approaches, the Northern Trust is encouraging everyone to stay vigilant, get to know their own skin and act quickly if they notice any changes. For more information and support involving skin cancer, visit Skin cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
26th May 2026
