Sunshine and Skin Cancer

Consensus Statement by the UK SKIN CANCER PREVENTION WORKING PARTY

That visible sunburn must be avoided by individuals of all ages.
That there is increasing evidence that excessive sun exposure and particularly sunburn when aged under 15 is a major risk factor for skin cancer in later life. Protection of the skin of children and adolescents is therefore particularly important.

That it is important to realise the cumulative nature of sun induced skin damage. This is of particular relevance to individuals now living in the UK who may have spent part of their lives in a tropical or sub-tropical environment.

That sun exposure giving rise to sunburn and subsequent skin damage can take place in the UK. It is therefore essential to protect the skin of both adults and children in this country, particularly during periods of sunny weather during the Spring and early Summer.

That individuals who develop skin cancer do not always have a history of deliberate sunbathing. Those who have an outdoor occupation and those who have an outdoor recreation, such as golfing, gardening, skiing or sailing, are also at risk and must learn to protect their skin.

A 4 point approach to minimising sun induced skin damage is advised (see below).

These are in descending order of importance.

Avoiding noonday sun (between 11 am and 3 pm).

Seeking natural shade in the form of trees or other shelter.

The use of clothing as a sunscreen including T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts and hats.

The use of broad spectrum sun screen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect against UVB and with additional UVA protection.

There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. A tan is a sign that already damaged skin is trying t protect itself from further damage. The protecting power of a tan is weaker than that of a mild sunscreen of SPF 2-4.

That in at least 4 out of 5 cases, skin cancer is a preventable disease.
In response to the target set in The Health of The Nation published in 1992: "to halt the year-on-year increase in the incidence of skin cancer by the year 2005" a UK Skin Cancer Prevention Working Party has been established.

The Working Party includes representation from a number of professional associations, including the British Association of Dermatologists and the British Association of Plastic Surgeons.

The major cancer charities are also represented, including the Cancer Research Campaign, the Imperial Cancer Research Fun and the Marie Curie Foundation. The Health Education Authority is also represented on this group.

The UK Skin Cancer Prevention Working Party aims to co-ordinate public education messages about skin cancer prevention.

The chairman of the UK Skin Cancer Prevention Working Party is Dr Dafydd Roberts.

Further information on skin cancer campaigns and resources :

Play Safe in the Sun
CL Postal Advisory Service
PO Box 4RB
London W1A 4RB

Marie Curie Cancer Care
28 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8Q6

Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Lincolns Inn Fields
London WC2A 3PX

Sun Know How Campaign
Health Education Authority
Hamilton House
Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9TX

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