The New Forest has the second highest rate
of new skin cancer cases in England.
We don’t know why the New Forest has
such a high skin cancer rate. We do know
that skin cancer rates are higher in the
South of England, where there is more
sunlight, and that it is more common in less
deprived areas.
By informing New Forest residents on
general sun awareness and the early
detection of skin cancer, it is hoped that we
can reduce the number of people
diagnosed with skin cancer in the New
Forest in the longer term. In the short
term, we want to ensure that people with
symptoms see their GP quicker. This could
save lives.
Councillor Di Brooks
New Forest District Council
Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure
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nfdc.gov.u
env.prot@
newforest.gov.uk
Customer services: 023 8028 5000
Who is more likely
to develop skin cancer?
Checking
your skin
Whilst everyone should be aware of the damage
the sun (and other UV radiation sources) can
cause, some people are more likely to develop
skin cancer than others. These include:
• People who burn easily - usually fair skinned
people who freckle easily with blonde or red
hair, blue or green eyes.
• People who have had past episodes of severe
sunburn, particularly in childhood with
blisters.
• People who have had repeated overexposure to the sun or the use of sun beds. A
tan, whilst often considered healthy, is a sign
that the skin has been damaged and is trying
to protect itself.
• People with many (more than 50) ordinary
moles or a very large dark hairy birthmark.
• People who have already had skin cancer or
with family members who have had skin
cancer.
• People with a damaged immune system.
The majority of skin cancers can be cured if they
are detected early enough. You need to know
your skin in order to detect any changes. You
should therefore follow this simple skin check:
• Check your skin at least once a month.
• Check your skin for the changes to existing
moles or areas of the skin as outlined below.
• Use a mirror and check your face, neck and
chest.
• Check your arms, elbows, underarms and
both sides of your hands.
• Check your legs (front and back), feet and
toes.
• Ask a family member or friend to check areas
you cannot easily see, for example scalp, ears
and back.
Skin cancer can occur
on any part of the
skin, even those areas
not exposed to the
sun. However, skin
cancer is more
common on the torso
of men and on the
legs of women.
tips
Symptoms
Sun awareness
of skin cancer
These simple sun awareness tips will help
prevent damage to the skin and reduce the
risk of developing skin cancer:
• Protect the skin using clothing – including a hat
and UV protection sunglasses.
• Use a high protection sunscreen of at least
SPF30 with a high UVA rating.
• Apply sunscreens generously and frequently:
- 20 minutes before exposure to the sun
- Reapply once outside
- Reapply every two hours
- Reapply after towel drying, perspiring and
swimming.
• Make sure sunscreen is applied to all exposed
skin including neck, ears and feet.
• Seek shade when it is sunny between 11am and
3pm.
• Seek shade before your skin reddens or burns.
• Keep babies and young children out of direct
sunlight.
• Check all your skin every month and tell
your doctor about any changes to a mole or
area of skin.
Skin cancer may not present any symptoms
but there are a number of changes in the skin
which you should look out for:
• Changes in the size, shape or colour of an
existing mole
-
The mole may increase in size.
-
The shape of the mole may be asymmetrical
(the two halves of the area will differ in their
shape).
-
The edges of the mole may be irregular or
blurred.
-
The colour may be uneven, and include
different shades of black, brown and pink.
• Existing moles that tingle, itch, bleed, ooze or
crust up
• Changes in colour of areas of skin
Should you notice any of these changes in
your skin or moles, or you have any concerns
regarding your skin – see your GP
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Remember - if
This leaflet is based on information from the British
Association of Dermatologists, Department of Health and
South West Public Health Observatory. It has been
reviewed by an independent health expert.
Give us your feedback and you could
win a New Forest hamper!
1. Have you found the information in this leaflet
useful?
Yes
No
2. What have you found useful:
Who may develop skin cancer
Checking your skin
Symptoms of skin cancer
Sun awareness tips
3. Will you be making changes with regards to sun
awareness, if so in what areas?
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More details inside
Spotting
skin cancer
The majority of skin cancers
can be cured if detected early