We have developed a video to give you information on how skin cancers develop, sun safety, and how to check your scar site and skin and lymph nodes. The video also provides information on the importance of Vitamin D and what to do if you are concerned.

Skin cancer health and wellbeing

Looking after your skin

Look after your skin by using the five S’s of sun safety:  Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide.

• Slip on protective clothing. Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun. Clothing should cover as much skin as possible and look for clothing with in-built sun protection.
• Slop on the sunscreen. Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above and which has a UVA rating of 4 stars or above. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going out and reapplied throughout the day. Remember commonly missed areas such as ears, temples, the back and sides of the neck and feet.
• Slap on a wide brimmed hat. This will provide protection to the face, neck and ears. Baseball caps do not provide adequate shade.
• Seek shade from the sun when possible. Particularly at the hottest times of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest. Keep toddlers and babies in the shade at all times. Never rely on shade alone and always combine with other protective measures.
• Slide on quality sunglasses. Wraparound sunglasses with a CE mark will protect the eyes and also around the eye area. Those labelled with a high EPF (Eye Protection Factor) will provide best protection. Remember price and darkness of the lens have no reflection on the quality of protection.

Skin cancer can be treated, and early diagnosis makes the chances of a full recovery very high. If you spot a suspicious lesion, it is vital that you have it checked by a doctor or nurse.

Karen’s personal journey with melanoma

In this video, Karen shares her personal journey with skin cancer, including the early signs, what help and advice she received and what helped her through her difficult journey.

Useful resources

Support for people affected by cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support
Cancer Research UK – Sun, UV and cancer
British Skin Foundation
Melanoma UK