|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| |
| <<Back |
Brits put skin at risk on holsDate: 13/07/2007 09:14:43
|
As more and more Britons jet off on their summer holidays over the next few months to sunnier climes, new research shows many will still not adequately protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
According to research carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research, over a third of people do not apply sunscreen when sunbathing.
Although the poll of 2,000 people showed 60 per cent of people are now more worried about the damage to their skin caused by the sun than a decade ago, 35 per cent of respondents admitted to not using protective lotions.
What's more, despite one in ten people saying that there n should be more education about the risks of sun damage, only around half of people could actually pick out the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
Professor Richard Marais from the Institute of Cancer Research said: "These results reflect the fact that people are deeply concerned about skin cancer, but that many people still do not know how to look after their skin.
"It is vitally important that everyone is aware of how to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun."
Rebecca Russell, Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign manager, said: "Exposure to the sun on summer holidays can be particularly dangerous as it often takes place in intense and infrequent bursts. Studies have shown that this type of sun exposure greatly increases your risk of melanoma.
"Some people are more likely than others to get skin cancer. They tend to have one or more of the following: fair skin, red or fair hair, lots of moles or freckles, a family history of skin cancer or experience of sunburn in the past. Those at risk can burn in as little as 10 minutes in the midday summer sun," she added.
Figures suggest the number of skin cancer cases in the UK has doubled since the 1980s, with 2,000 people dying from the disease every year.
Talk to one of our qualified doctors now about travel health on 0906 665 8002. Calls cost £1.50 per minute from a BT landline. 24 hrs 7 days a week. Callers must have bill payer's permission and be over 18. All calls are recorded but you do not have to give your name. All Doctors are GMC registered and either fully qualified GPs or post membership hospital specialists. Not for emergency use, diagnosis or prognosis. Not designed to replace a face to face consultation with a medical professional, and any callers taking such advice in isolation do so at their own risk. In the case of a medical emergency, dial 999. Calls last a maximum of 20 minutes.
 © Adfero Ltd
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
| |
|
|
