We at Ridley & Hall support awareness of skin cancer. Nowadays, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer, if detected early.  Statistics are startling, but things are improving and again provided the condition is diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion.

At least 100,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the UK and about 2,500 people will die every year, which is about 7 people every day.

Sun exposure ie. UV exposure is obviously the main preventable cause of skin cancer.

The British Skin Foundation have issued a few tips for those who enjoy sun.

• Clothing
• Sunscreen
• UV protective sunglasses; and
• A hat is ideal for protection

Seek shelter – at certain times of the day, the sun is at its strongest form, usually between 11am and 3pm, so to avoid burning the skin, precautions have to be taken, including seeking shelter.

Further helpful tips can be found at www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk.

The Association of Dermatologists run a National Campaign around skin cancer called Sun Awareness, which also includes a National Sun Awareness Week in May.  The aim is obviously to encourage people to regularly self-examine for skin cancer and obviously to teach people about the dangers about sunburn and excessive tanning and to encourage people to take appropriate precaution.

The common symptoms or symptoms that might suggest skin cancer?  

• Itchiness, where the skin appears firm and looks like a scab
• Red looking lump that is raised or feels tender to touch or bleeds sometimes

If in doubt it is always advisable to seek early medical attention so that appropriate investigation and treatment can be organised by the patient’s GP.  For further information, visit www.nhs.org or www.cancerresearchuk.org.

The writer is Daxa Patel, a Clinical Negligence Partner at Ridley & Hall.