NHS Lanarkshire is highlighting Sun Awareness Week (6-12 May) to raise awareness of the dangers of long exposure to the sun and to promote safety when outside.

As Lanarkshire residents prepare for their annual holiday in the sun – or just dust off the barbecue for a sunny day in the garden – the time is right to stress the perils of over exposure to the sun.

Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer. In the UK, almost nine in 10 cases of melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) could be prevented by taking the correct precautions and enjoying the sun safely, as well as avoiding the use of sunbeds altogether.

Dr Jennifer Darnborough, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “’Don’t be stingy with the sun cream – make sure you apply it generously and cover up and stay in the shade in the heat of the day.’’

The key messages about safety in the sun are:
• Seek shade at the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm)
• Wear long sleeved t-shirts, long, light trousers, a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses if you have to be out in the sun
• Apply sunscreen (factor 15 or higher) at least 30 minutes before you go out into the sun and re-apply frequently
• Make sure you drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
• Do not use sunbeds
• Know your skin – keep an eye on moles and report any changes to your GP

Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life. Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.

According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates in the UK are projected to rise by seven per cent by 2035.

For more information on staying safe in the sun, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/