Skin cancer is one of the worlds most common cancer – but its also one of the most preventable.

• There are around 19,400 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year. That’s 53 every day

• Between 2022-2024, there were around 2,600 melanoma skin cancer deaths in the UK every year. That’s more than 7 every day

• 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK are preventable

Early detection saves lives, and small daily habits make a huge difference.

Here are some tips to keep yourself protected and prevented from Skin Cancer:

Know the Signs: The ABCDE Check

Regularly examine your skin and look for:

A – Asymmetry — one half doesn’t match the other

B – Border — uneven, blurred, or jagged edges

C – Colour — multiple colours or sudden darkening

D – Diameter — larger than 6mm (about a pencil rubber)

E – Evolving — any change in size, shape, colour, or sensation

If something looks new, unusual, or changing, get it checked.

Everyday Protection Matters

• Use a broad‑spectrum SPF 30–50 daily, even on cloudy days and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
• Avoid sunlight in peak hours (between 10am-4pm)
• Wear hats, sunglasses, and light-coloured protective clothing to reflect UV rays
• Avoid sunbeds as they can significantly increase your risk of melanoma
• Eat an antioxidant rich diet which neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to skin cells and lead to cancer. These are foods such as colourful fruits and vegetables, fish, flaxseeds and vitamins and minerals