Dr Chris Harland, a consultant dermatologist at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, is urging local people over the age of 50 to check for signs of skin cancer.
Local people over the age of 50 are being urged to check for signs of skin cancer.
The call has come from Dr Chris Harland (pictured), a consultant dermatologist at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.
According to the trust, skin cancer often first appears as a change in a mole or patch of normal skin.
Dr Harland is recommending that people check their skin regularly for changes, especially if they are fair skinned with a lot of freckles.
“As with all cancers, the tumours are easier to treat if they are spotted early,” he said.
“That’s why it’s important to check for the tell-tale signs that may point to the possibility of skin cancer.”
Dr Harland’s is also advising people to make sure they never burn, to aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses, to take extra care with children as their skin is more delicate and to use sunscreen with a factor of 15 or higher.
“We don’t want to stop people enjoying the sunshine but please make sure you look after your health at the same time; and whatever age you are you should always follow the simple steps to enjoying the warm weather safely,” he said.
The news comes after a recent report from Cancer Research UK showed that an average of 25 cases of malignant melanoma are being diagnosed in the over 50s every day.
The report also showed that diagnosis rates have trebled among those aged 50 to 59 and have risen five-fold in the over 60s.
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