Staffordshire skin consultant warns people to stay safe in the sun

A top skin cancer expert it's vital people across Staffordshire and Cheshire protect their skin from the sun all year round, even during the cloudy weather.

Temperatures are rising across our region and with it comes an increased risk of skin cancer.

Every year there are around 16,700 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK, and it's the 5th most common cancer in the UK

Wayne Jaffe has been a lead specialist and consultant in skin cancer at the Royal Stoke Hospital for a number of years, he has also been appointed as an advisor to Melanoma UK.

"Skin cancer is the biggest cause of cancer in this country. The most serious - malignant melanoma - is the fifth most common cause of skin cancer deaths." he said.

"The main thing you should know is that if you have had an early melanoma, with no spread to your lymph nodes or any other part of your body, then it is highly likely that simply removing it will cure you."

"The easiest way to do it is to use a moisturiser with Protection Factor."

Wayne said: "When people do go away to the beach, or for a long walk in the Peak District pack some cream - however, you have to reapply it every two hours or so. You have to reapply it if you've been in a swimming pool or got wet or sweaty."

"Think about wearing a wide brimmed hat, clothing or some protection factor clothing and of course, Sunblock Protection Factor 30 or above - and most importantly get into the habit of using sun protection everyday.

Of all those diagnosed with melanoma in England and Wales, about 86 out of every 100 people will live for at least 5 years. About 83 out of every 100 people diagnosed with melanoma will live for at least 10 years.

Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third (32%) in the UK.

"Melanoma is more difficult to treat in the later stages."

Wayne added: "The big risk is wanting to catch up a month or two of lack of sunshine, basically trying to get brown in 24 hours, which does not happen and people are putting themselves at risk of forming skin cancer in the future.

"It's just a matter of getting into the mindset that yes, the sun is lovely in small doses, however, can be very harmful in large doses.

"Sun block will help reduce the amount of damage you're causing to your skin."

"Tweeting and Instagramming photographs of how burnt you are and as red as a lobster, going into sunbeds which are carcinogenic devices, people do it - and actually it's not good for society as a whole because these mostly young people will as they get older be presenting with skin cancers.

"Keep a small container of some cream in your handbag, your rucksack or in your pockets. There are many creams you can buy in small sachets and little tubes. It's just a matter of being conscious."

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