Sun Awareness Week: Reduce your risk of skin cancer by taking care in the sun

Sun Awareness Week takes place between the 6th 12th of May. It is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the importance of taking care in the sun to reduce your risk skin cancer.

Over 100,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer each year with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease, causing over 2000 deaths.

The Sun Awareness campaign, which is organised by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has two main aims, to encourage people to look for changes in their skin which could be a sign of skin cancer and to raise awareness of the danger of excessive tanning and allowing yourself to get sun burnt.

BAD run a road show which will be visiting a number of towns across the country to raise awareness of skin cancer and to help the British public enjoy their time in the sun safely.

Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of fighting skin cancer, so BAD have produced some tips to help you check your own ski for signs of cancer. If you notice any change in your skin or in a mole you should go to your doctor as soon as possible.

These ABCD-Easy rules show you a few changes that might indicate a 'melanoma', which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

• Asymmetry - the two halves of the area may differ in shape
• Border - the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches
• Colour - this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen
• Diameter - most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer is to take care in the sun, make sure you keep covered up during the hottest part of the day and don't let yourself get burnt.

Read our article for more information: How to stay safe in the sun

Wherever you are going on holiday, the other essential you need to remember, in addition to your sun screen is travel insurance.

Travel insurance protects you from the risk of incurring large medical bills if you fall ill or have an accident and need medical treatment whilst you are on holiday. Hospital bills can quickly amount to thousands of pounds, and if you are not insured, it will be you who has to pay.

Get a quote for travel insurance for your next holiday >>

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