‘We can prevent skin cancer time bomb’ – George

Andrew George MP, with TV’s Dr Hilary Jones at the Westminster Skin Cancer Seminar.

Sign up to get email updates on my campaigns here

 

Andrew George MP is supporting the campaign to raise an awareness of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Top dermatologists have highlighted the high prevalence of this cancer in West Cornwall. Mr George has been told that the effects of long-term sun exposure will create a skin cancer ‘time bomb’ in the years to come. Mr George met cancer charities and clinical experts in Westminster to discuss a new awareness initiative to help prevent skin conditions caused by long-term sun exposure, including cancer.

Skin cancer is the now the most common form of cancer in the UK, with more cases diagnosed each year than breast and lung cancers combined, and the level is higher in West Cornwall than the UK average.

Mr George said: “Damaged skin can affect anyone. It is important to look out for ALL skin changes – not just moles – that might be indicators of skin cancer or an increased risk of getting skin cancer. Checking your skin regularly is just common sense. It all boils down to early detection.

“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and also the most preventable. However, it does not receive the same attention as other conditions. I hope I can help raise awareness and ensure that local people and holiday makers take simple, yet crucial measures, to help minimise skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun.

“With skin cancer rates having quadrupled over the last 30 years, addressing and preventing the cumulative effects of long-term sun exposure will be crucial if we are to avoid a skin cancer ‘time bomb’ in the years to come.

“In particular, measures to prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) – a pre-malignant skin condition caused by sun damage with the potential to develop into skin cancer – were discussed during the meeting and will be a key focus of the new campaign.”

For information on how to check your skin, as well as advice on prevention, please see the ‘Exposure’ website: www.checkskinchanges.com.