Brits unaware of the signs of skin cancer

With many British families packing for their annual summer holiday, basking Britons could face a cloud on the horizon this summer with many unaware of how to check for skin cancer, research from Friends Provident reveals.

Many Brits preparing to soak up the sun need to not only research their holiday destination, they also need to learn about self-examination techniques. The majority (63%) of Brits don't know how to self-check for skin cancer and a further 42% do not check their moles for changes or monitor their bodies regularly for cancerous signs.

With the summer holidays now in full swing taking precautions when out in the sun is increasingly important. Skin cancer now affects twice as many people as 20 years ago and over the last 25 years skin cancer rates have increased faster than any other common cancer.

Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident, said: "A hot summer provides a great opportunity for us all to enjoy being outdoors, relax and switch off. Despite this, people should still be vigilant about their health and wellbeing, now and over the long term. The usual protection offered by sun cream, hats and avoiding direct sun during the middle of the day, can also be supported by an increased personal awareness of how to check for signs of skin cancer."

Women are slightly more aware than men on how to self-check for skin cancer - 41% compared to 33%. British females are also more likely to regularly examine themselves for cancerous signs such as moles - 60% to 56%. Men in the UK are largely prone to taking more risks with their health with 77% ignoring medical symptoms.

Those in the over 50s age group are setting the best summer skin safety example with 42% knowing how to self-check for skin cancer and 64% checking themselves regularly for cancerous signs. Those in Scotland are the most proactive with over two thirds (67%) regularly examining themselves for cancerous signs compared to an average across the UK of 58%.

Mark Jones continues: "As we approach the middle of summer it's important that we all look after our long term health wherever we may be enjoying the sunshine. We're urging people to be more aware of the symptoms of skin cancer and to keep an eye on moles to help protect themselves against longer-term impacts on their health. It is important for people to educate themselves and be proactive in managing their health."

Cancer Research UK has launched ‘Sun Smart' a microsite for people who would like to know more about skin cancer. It includes helpful advice for those who would like to know more about checking themselves for skin cancer and skin cancer symptoms. For more information please visit info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/sunsmart/?a=5441