Five people a day in their 50s are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a rate which has tripled in the last 30 years, according to the latest research from Cancer Research UK (24th July 2012). In this age group, it is now the fifth most common cancer.
Although statistics in this age group are the most striking, cases of malignant melanoma for all age groups have also shown marked increases over the last few years. Most cases are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.
All travellers - especially those to hot climates - should always protect themselves from the sun, ideally avoiding going out between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest, seeking the shade where possible, covering the skin with long sleeved clothing, wearing broad brimmed hats and wraparound sunglasses and avoiding sunburn which doubles your chances of skin cancer.
Babies, children and fair skinned people are especially vulnerable to sunburn and its associated risks. In addition sunscreens should be used. Sunscreen including protection against UVA and UVB is recommended, with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Sunscreen should be reapplied liberally every two hours or more frequently if swimming. Insect repellent such as DEET should always be applied after sunscreen.
Look at the Cancer Research Symptoms and Signs page if you are concerned about any changes to your skin or see your GP.
After such a poor summer here in the UK, many of us long for a bit of sunshine and that “healthy” looking tan, but we should all remember the sun’s potentially life threatening effects.
Supplies of DEET are available at The Travel Clinic Ltd, Cambridge and Ipswich.