Volunteers from the Care Plus Cancer Collaborative were out in St Peter’s Avenue, Cleethorpes recently raising awareness of skin cancer.

Some advice is included below:

The main cause of skin cancer is too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds.  

Don’t let sunburn catch you out: Whether you are at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn when the sun is strong.

Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm: The summer sun is strongest around the middle of the day. Find shade under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.

Cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses: When the sun is at its strongest, sunscreen is not enough.

Use at least factor 15 sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen that is at least factor 15 and has a high star rating. Use it generously and regularly to get the right amount of protection. Sunscreen does not give 100% protection and should be used along with shade and clothing. Never use sunscreen as an excuse to stay out in the sun for longer.

Take extra care with children: Young skin is delicate. Keep babies out of the sun, especially around midday.

Avoid sunbeds: Sunbeds are not a safer alternative to tanning in the sun. The intensity of some of the UV rays they give off can be 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun.

Report unusual moles or skin changes to your doctor: Skin cancers can appear as:

• A spot or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks
• A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust or bleed for more than 4 weeks
• Areas where the skin has broken down or forms an ulcer, you can’t think of a reason for this change, and it does not heal within 4 weeks.

Finding skin cancer early can save lives, so it is important to know the signs and see your doctor about any unusual or persistent changes to your skin. Most changes are not caused by cancer, but it’s important to get them checked by a doctor.