SKIN cancer experts are warning people to stay safe in the East of England sunshine this bank holiday, as urgent skin cancer referrals reach a new high of around 7,000 a month across the region.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and around 32 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the region every week – that’s around 1,700 per year.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• basal cell carcinoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• melanoma

In the UK, around 147,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year. It affects more men than women and is more common in older people.

Melanoma is a more serious skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. The main cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light from the sun or used in sunbeds.

The two most common signs of melanoma skin cancer are:

• The appearance of a new mole or lesion on your skin
• A change in an existing mole or lesion, such as a change in shape, colour bleeding or itching.

Charity Melanoma Focus says: “More people die of melanoma per year in the UK than in Australia. Yet 86% of cases of melanoma are preventable and increasing numbers of people are being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. There are now more than 16,700 new cases each year in the UK.”

Consultant dermatologist Bernadette De Silva, based at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) is skin cancer lead for the East of England Cancer Alliances, which work as part of the NHS to transform cancer care across the region. She said: “There is no safe or healthy way to get a tan. Sunburn happens even when it is cloudy. Sunbeds should be avoided. People with darker skins sometimes think they won’t be affected but this is not the case.”

Dr De Silva’s advice is:

• Stay in the shade when the sun is strongest – in the UK generally between 11AM-3PM
• Never burn
• Cover up with suitable clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children, who should never be in direct sunlight in the hottest parts of the day
• Use at least factor 30, UVA 4-star sunscreen on sun-exposed area.

Dr De Silva added: “We want to encourage everyone to be sun safe. Anyone who has noticed changes in their moles or lesions should contact their GP. Many of these moles or lesions do not end up being anything serious, however, it is always important to get diagnosed early as early-stage skin cancers are generally curable. Everyone needs to check from head to toe, literally from the scalp to the soles of the feet, which are often overlooked. People with darker skins can be especially affected by melanoma on the feet and need to check carefully for this.”

One local patient who has kicked sunbathing into touch is Dave Emerick, from Essex. 

A lifetime in sport has brought visible health benefits to super fit marathon runner and former footballer Dave. However, his outdoor life has also led to serious sun damage over the years, resulting in repeated surgery for skin cancer.

Dave, now retired near Colchester, spent his early years playing football with his lifelong friend, the late footballing legend Jimmy Greaves. He worked as a football club manager and trained daily as an accomplished runner, completing no less than 50 marathons around the world.

But about 20 years ago Dave was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma – a type of skin cancer. He has since undergone extensive treatment at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, with surgery over the years on numerous sites, including his hand, back, neck and head.

Dave is keen to warn others of the risks as part of this month’s Skin Cancer Awareness month.

He said: “I have been lucky that the cancer was caught in time and to get brilliant treatment locally. Skin cancer is serious and invasive but it’s deceptive because the early signs can look harmless. It is so important to know what to look out for. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors but years ago we had no idea of the risks to our skin. We were unprotected in hours of sun exposure most days. Now it is different, we know the dangers and can easily take steps to protect ourselves. Everyone needs to know the signs and not take risks, whatever their age.”

Dave and wife Naomi still train regularly in their local gym and pool, and they also take part in weekly parkruns, wearing hats and high factor sunscreen in all weathers.

Dave added: “People used to think a tan looked healthy but we now know the terrible damage from UV rays, even without sunbathing. Everyone needs to need to check their skin regularly and report any changes to their GP.”

Further information on skin cancers and sun safety tips are available here:

Sunscreen and sun safety – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Skin Cancer Awareness (macmillan.org.uk)