They’re being urged to protect themselves against the harmful effects of the sun after figures released by the NHS showed that levels of skin cancer continue to rise, especially in the South West of England. Those that spend a lot of time outdoors are more at risk because of their increased exposure to sunlight.
Men are the focus of the campaign, as research indicates that women are more likely to slap on the sun-cream and a hat. Cancer Research figures indicate that, since the 1970s, skin cancer rates have quadrupled and the incidence of skin cancer in men is growing at twice the rate that it is for women.
NFU South West regional board chairman, James Small, said: “Working in the rough, tough world of farming, we often want to brush things off and just get on with the job, but there are times when that kind of resilience can come back and bite you and this is one of those.
“We owe it to ourselves and our families to take the risk of skin cancer seriously and above all, if we are bothered by something, to not dismiss it, but get it checked out.”
The NHS has the following advice:
- 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
- If it’s very hot, spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Take particular care if you have fair skin, moles or freckles, red or fair hair, or light-coloured eyes