The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has announced the dates of their 2014 Sun Awareness Week.
This national campaign, overseen by the BAD’s Skin Cancer Prevention Committee and comprised of leading medical professionals with expertise in skin cancer, vitamin D and public health messaging, will run from 5th to 11th May.
The campaign is two-pronged and combines prevention and detection advice. The first aim is to encourage people to regularly self-examine for skin cancer. The second is to teach people about the dangers of sunburn and excessive tanning, and to discourage people from using sunbeds, in light of the associated risks of skin cancer.
In addition to public education about the dangers of sunbed use, the BAD has also been involved in campaigning for legislation to regulate the sunbed industry and is continuing to push towards further and improved regulation.
A spokesperson for SKCIN, a national charitable organisation targeting skin cancer in the UK, said education and raising awareness on the subject of sun safety and the early detection of skin cancers is vital to saving lives.
“Detecting skin cancers early save lives, particularly in the case of Melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. It is important to check your skin regularly for signs of change, and consult your doctor immediately if you detect any changes particularly with moles, or are unsure of any unusual marks, patches, sores or spots, no matter how small they are.”
More information can be found at www.bad.org.uk