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That Cancer Conversation - Are we looking after our skin?

Moderator Jenn

Well, I don't know about you, but this week the sun has shone in all its glory where I live.  After what seems like a long, wet autumn and winter, it has, quite frankly, been glorious to drink my morning cuppa sat in the warm sunshine. 

With the nicer weather in full swing, we’re likely to be spending more time outdoors, so it’s time to start thinking about protecting ourselves from those UV rays! 

Skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, with almost 9 in 10 cases caused by exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds. In this episode of That Cancer Conversation, the CRUK podcast team chat about the importance of taking care of our skin, as well as discussing some common skin cancer and sun safety myths. 

If you have any questions about skin cancer or staying safe in the sun, you can call our team of nurses for more advice and information on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. 

And if you're planning to be out and about enjoying the spring sunshine this weekend, don't forget to stay safe in the sun! 

 

  • This is very timely given that UV levels in UK are around 5 at midday as we head into spring / summer when UV8 is possible and holidaying abroad can see UV13 to 15. Enough to cause serious permanent skin damage.

    Hat, suncream, cover up, avoid strong sun 11.00 am to 3.00pm especially if you have fair skin, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair. Don't forget sunglasses as eyes can be damaged too leading to cataracts in old age. Take especial care of children. Small babies should not be out in the sun. 

    But go out and enjoy the good weather just keep safe.

    If this comes across as nannying it is because I have incurable advanced metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma from over exposure to UV sunlight.

    Ed

  • in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Hi Ed

    You've made a good point about UV levels! Many people don't realise that UV levels can be just as high, if not higher, in early Spring than they are in July and August! Lots of things can lead to increased UV levels and the risk of sunburn, so we shouldn't assume we're less at risk just because it's a Friday in April. 

    Sunglasses are a good tip as well. UV radiation can cause lots of issues to eye health, so keeping a good pair of sunnies handy is important. 

    Thanks for sharing your story Ed. Hope that you're able to get out and safely enjoy some of this lovely Spring weather. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi. This may seem a daft question! I prefer sitting in my west facing conservatory to.the garden for various reasons.  The sun pours in after 11.00 a.m.  Am I still at risk behind glass, or indeed at more risk?  Had not given it a thought before! 

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