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23/05/2005
Britons ‘confused’ over sun warnings
Britons are missing out on vital weather warnings that could reduce their risk of developing skin cancer, new research has revealed.
Research commissioned by Boots to support Cancer Research UK’s ‘SunSmart’ campaign, found that 70% of people questioned did not know what the UV Index is, despite its frequent appearance on TV weather forecasts and websites.
Over exposure to ultraviolet rays measured by the UV Index causes skin cancer. The UV Index, developed by the World Health Organisation, is a measure to describe the maximum strength of the UV radiation for a particular day from the sun. It is believed to be a more accurate indication of the potential for sunburn than temperature forecasts.
The Index ranges from one to 20, although it is rare for the Index to go above 8 in the UK. People with fair skin are advised to protect themselves from burning between 11am and 3pm on days with a lower UV Index rating, compared to people with darker skins, who are advised to cover up when the rating is higher. However, the research found that 73% of people with fair skin admitted that they still got sunburnt, despite two thirds saying that they worried about developing skin cancer.
Manager of the SunSmart campaign, Jo Viner Smith, said: “These results are quite alarming, especially following the warnings issued recently that we may be in for a heat wave this summer. Fair skinned people can burn in as little as 30 minutes when the UV Index is seven and it is important they take extra care at all times of the day when the UV Index is high. With more than 70,000 new cases registered each year, it is crucial people know when to cover up.”
Boots and Cancer Research UK have launched a Celebrity UV Guide, which enables people to compare their skin type to celebrities in order to understand the UV Index and when they need to cover up in the sun.
Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart code advises people how to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Their advice recommends that people stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm; ensure that they don’t burn; always cover up; and use a sunscreen with Factor 15 or higher, taking special care with children.
(KMcA/SP)
Research commissioned by Boots to support Cancer Research UK’s ‘SunSmart’ campaign, found that 70% of people questioned did not know what the UV Index is, despite its frequent appearance on TV weather forecasts and websites.
Over exposure to ultraviolet rays measured by the UV Index causes skin cancer. The UV Index, developed by the World Health Organisation, is a measure to describe the maximum strength of the UV radiation for a particular day from the sun. It is believed to be a more accurate indication of the potential for sunburn than temperature forecasts.
The Index ranges from one to 20, although it is rare for the Index to go above 8 in the UK. People with fair skin are advised to protect themselves from burning between 11am and 3pm on days with a lower UV Index rating, compared to people with darker skins, who are advised to cover up when the rating is higher. However, the research found that 73% of people with fair skin admitted that they still got sunburnt, despite two thirds saying that they worried about developing skin cancer.
Manager of the SunSmart campaign, Jo Viner Smith, said: “These results are quite alarming, especially following the warnings issued recently that we may be in for a heat wave this summer. Fair skinned people can burn in as little as 30 minutes when the UV Index is seven and it is important they take extra care at all times of the day when the UV Index is high. With more than 70,000 new cases registered each year, it is crucial people know when to cover up.”
Boots and Cancer Research UK have launched a Celebrity UV Guide, which enables people to compare their skin type to celebrities in order to understand the UV Index and when they need to cover up in the sun.
Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart code advises people how to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Their advice recommends that people stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm; ensure that they don’t burn; always cover up; and use a sunscreen with Factor 15 or higher, taking special care with children.
(KMcA/SP)
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08 April 2011
Under 18s Protected From Sunbed Dangers
Businesses will face fines of up to £20,000 if they allow under 18s to use sunbeds from today. The Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010 aims to protect under 18s in search of a year-round tan from putting their health at risk. Over-exposure to the UV rays has become the main cause of skin cancer.
Under 18s Protected From Sunbed Dangers
Businesses will face fines of up to £20,000 if they allow under 18s to use sunbeds from today. The Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010 aims to protect under 18s in search of a year-round tan from putting their health at risk. Over-exposure to the UV rays has become the main cause of skin cancer.
05 August 2011
Building Trade 'Must Act On Skin Cancer'
Construction union UCATT are calling on the construction industry to take decisive action to ensure that the risk of construction workers developing skin cancer is dramatically reduced.
Building Trade 'Must Act On Skin Cancer'
Construction union UCATT are calling on the construction industry to take decisive action to ensure that the risk of construction workers developing skin cancer is dramatically reduced.
30 October 2006
'Sticking plaster' hope for skin cancer
A new light-emitting 'sticking plaster' to be used in the treatment of skin cancer, has been developed by Scottish scientists. Researchers at the University of St Andrews and Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, developed the new device, which builds on established photodynamic therapy treatment methods.
'Sticking plaster' hope for skin cancer
A new light-emitting 'sticking plaster' to be used in the treatment of skin cancer, has been developed by Scottish scientists. Researchers at the University of St Andrews and Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, developed the new device, which builds on established photodynamic therapy treatment methods.
24 July 2012
Middle-Aged Brits Hit By Surge Of Potentially Fatal Skin Cancer
British men and women in their 50s have seen cases of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, soar from fewer than 500 each year to almost 2,000* since the end of the 1970s, new figures from Cancer Research UK show today.
Middle-Aged Brits Hit By Surge Of Potentially Fatal Skin Cancer
British men and women in their 50s have seen cases of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, soar from fewer than 500 each year to almost 2,000* since the end of the 1970s, new figures from Cancer Research UK show today.
01 September 2010
Half of Britons Get Sunburnt
Almost half of Britons got sunburnt this year and many of them would risk burning again in order to get a tan, a new survey has revealed. The research, commissioned by Superdrug and Cancer Research UK, found that 46 per cent of those surveyed got sunburnt this summer, with 32 per cent of those admitting that they do so in their pursuit of a tan.
Half of Britons Get Sunburnt
Almost half of Britons got sunburnt this year and many of them would risk burning again in order to get a tan, a new survey has revealed. The research, commissioned by Superdrug and Cancer Research UK, found that 46 per cent of those surveyed got sunburnt this summer, with 32 per cent of those admitting that they do so in their pursuit of a tan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
