SAFE IN THE SUN

The Safe in the Sun initiative is a partnership between the Public Health Directorate and the Isle of Man Anti Cancer Association.

Skin cancer is one of the cancers that is becoming more common and has significant morbidity (ongoing illness or disease such as prolonged treatment, scarring, restrictions to normal life) and mortality (risk of death). There are many reasons why an individual may develop cancer of any type. There are influences from your genes, your lifestyle and your environment.

We can help you decide if you are in a higher risk group, and we can assist you to make changes to your lifestyle and environment.

There are several types of skin cancer; some are more serious than others. Some skin cancers result from short intense exposures in childhood from normal sunlight. Others, from exposure to artificial Ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as sun lamps and sunbeds. The most common forms of skin cancer result from cumulative UV exposure over many years, and present in the older people.

Our climate may make us more susceptible to skin damage. We do not feel we get much sun here on the Island and may overindulge, in our free time and on holiday.

We find it difficult to assess the strength of the suns rays due to mist, cloud or sea breezes. Many of us have pale skin, fair or red hair, blue or green eyes, all indicative of higher risk skin types.

Most of our sun damage and exposure occurs in childhood. We are likely to be carefree, spend time outdoors and lose track of time. This combined with thinner skin makes us susceptible to sunburn and skin damage in our early years.

It is important that we use our resources and skills effectively in 3 main areas

• Educate and enable children to protect themselves and assess risk, from an early age
• Educate people about high risk situations and encourage effective safe in the sun policy.
• Inform people about individual risk and early reporting of suspicious skin lesions

For further information click here to email the Public Health Directorate or telephone 642639.

Click here to download Factsheet on Safe in the Sun Babies and Children 2008

Click here to download Elephant Poster Protect your Skin 2008

This page was last updated on 19 May 2008.

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