Are cancer charities in a dilemma over new research?

Research published yesterday (29 September 2003) by research charity Raft found that sun creams prevent burning but are less effective at blocking out UVA rays, thought to be the cause melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer.

Although some national newspapers believed that the findings would cause a dilemma for cancer charities, Action Cancer has welcomed the research. Liz Atkinson, Director of Clinical Services at Action Cancer explains “we welcome all research carried out which gives us a greater understanding of the effects of the sun on our skin and the links to skin cancer ”.

Action Cancer has always encouraged people to use additional methods of protection from the sun, covering up with hats, t-shirts and sunshades and limiting the length of time spent in the sun.

Liz continued, “Hopefully people will realise that sun cream is only one method of protection against the sun and is not a complete barrier. However, it is still vital that anyone exposed to the sun uses high factor sun cream as it does provide protection against skin burning .”

Some local dermatologists believe that to keep skin healthy in Northern Ireland we need to follow the Australian example of a culture change, preferring pale skin to tanned. Officials initiated the SunSmart campaign in response to a higher incidence of skin cancer in Australia than in any other country, advocating Slip! Slop! Slap! (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat) through public service announcements. The fashion industry has also played a major part, with Australian fashion magazines choosing pale skinned models in contrast to the bronzed-look used in UK equivalents.

Action Cancer has produced a leaflet which outlines how to take care in the sun, the symptoms of skin cancer and what to do if you think you have a problem. Visit Action Cancer’s website www.actioncancer.org to download a copy.