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Don’t get caught out by the hot weather this week, warns NHS

The NHS is advising people not to get caught out by the hot weather over the next couple of days.

The dry, sunny and hot weather across parts of the South of England today, is set to continue into tomorrow.

As part of its “Cover Up, Mate” skin cancer awareness campaign, NHS England South is advising members of the public to wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses in hot weather.

NHS England South Medical Director Nigel Acheson said:

“We all like to joke about the Great British Summer, but as July’s mini heatwave showed, just a few hours of unexpected hot sun can be really intense.

“The dangers are all too clear, not only getting burned or sunstroke but also the added risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

“Put simply, ‘cover up mate’ and wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself and your family.”

Latest statistics from Cancer Research show that since the late 1970s, skin cancer incidence rates have more than quadrupled (360% increase) in Great Britain.

Figures from Public Health England show the South has seen a huge rise in incidence rates and deaths from malignant melanoma in recent years.

Many local areas across the South have higher rates of malignant melanoma than the national average.

Top sun safe tips include:

  • Use at least factor 15 sunscreen in the sun and use plenty of it
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin – don’t forget your neck and ears and your head if you have thinning or no hair
  • Wear sunglasses and a hat
  • Take particular care if have fair skin, moles or freckles, red or fair hair, or light-coloured eyes.

Visit NHS Choices for additional advice on sun safety.

ENDS