May 2022: Skin Cancer Awareness Month
The month of May is the time we speak up about the dangers of the sun and skin cancer. By sharing facts and speaking out, we can help people prevent skin cancer from happening and help save lives. As one of the most preventable cancers there is, it seems easy and obvious that by carrying out preventable measures and encouraging people to check their skin regularly, we can limit the cases of skin cancer. So, with that in mind, Balmy Fox is on board with some facts, statistics, and sensible preventative measures to keep you safe in the sun!
Fastest Growing Cancer in the UK
Frighteningly enough, one in every three cancers diagnosed is skin cancer, and it’s one of the fastest rising in the UK, with 90% of cases caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)—that’s mainly UVA and UVB sunlight to you and me. But, as this ugly disease is primarily driven by exposure to the sun, it’s also totally preventable. And it’s not just the sun’s UV rays that can cause skin cancer but also the ever-popular tanning beds. So, if you’re addicted to sunbeds believing it’s safer for you, think again; your skin is just as susceptible to skin cancer from artificial devices.
Take time to check out Cancer Research UK, which has some very insightful information on the different types of skin cancer and how damage to the skin occurs.
How do we Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer?
Many preventative measures do seem obvious, yet most of us still choose to ignore them. Skin cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the UK, and with ever-increasing temperatures and the urge to spend time outdoors, we simply can’t ignore the dangers anymore, so this summer, remember:
- Cover up exposed skin with clothing as much as possible.
- Wear high-factor UVA/UVB sunscreen and apply liberally to all exposed areas of the skin. Reapply regularly.
- Wear a hat, preferably wide-brimmed, to shade the face and ears.
- Wear sunglasses with a rating of CE UV400+. Our eyes are far more sensitive to UV damage than our skin is.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially between peak UV hours of 11 am and 3 pm in the UK.
Sunscreen: Number One Preventative Measure
For some, it may not always be possible to stay in the shade or wear wide-brimmed hats, which means your number one preventative measure becomes high-factor SPF sunscreen. So, it doesn’t matter whether you work outside, enjoy outdoor sports or shop the latest trends on the High Street. When you’re out, preventing melanoma skin cancer should be at the forefront of your mind—that means applying sun cream liberally to all exposed areas! And the safest way to do this is with a high-factor SPF sunscreen that delivers high protection and is kind to your skin. With Balmy Fox’s water-resistant organic sun cream, the naturally occurring zinc-oxide mineral provides complete and effective sun protection against both UVA and UVB radiation without the unhealthy chemical ingredients found in traditional sun creams. As a result, the natural suncream, vegan formula delivers all the protection your skin needs whilst providing hydration through natural and organic moisturising ingredients.
The Best organic suncream!!
Early Detection of Skin Cancer
You’ve been careful, covered up and applied the sunscreen, so what else can you do to help yourself with your skin? Here are our top tips for being savvy where skin cancer is concerned:
- Regularly do a full-body check once a month. You'll get to know your skin and recognise what’s normal and what isn't.
- Identifying changes to your skin that may indicate early signs of skin cancer is the smartest way to tackle any issues. The earlier it's picked up and diagnosed, the better the outcome.
- Remember to check your entire skin from head to toe. That includes checking the soles of your feet, behind your ears and your scalp. And get someone to help you check hard to see areas, like your back.
- Learn to identify suspicious lesions and if you're concerned about anything new or unusual with moles or your skin in general, see your GP and get it checked out.
The Oarburn Rower and How you can get Involved
There’s so much going on in aid of Skin Awareness Month with a range of fundraising events taking place to fund research into new treatments and personal challenges too, including the mighty Kyle Meredith – originally from Leeds – who’s taking on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge! As The OARburn Rower, Kyle will row 3000-mile across the Atlantic Ocean completely solo and unsupported. It’s not only a huge personal challenge for Kyle; it’s an event aimed to convey much-needed awareness of the risks associated with unprotected exposure to the sun and skin cancer. We wish him tremendous success with his challenge!
If you wish to make a donation – small or large – to help Kyle with his crossing, he has set up a dedicated GoFundMepage! All of us at Balmy Fox are 100% behind him, and wish him all the best with his training.
Whilst no one is expecting you to take on such an adventure, there are some great suggestions on how you can get involved by sharing stories, creating fundraisers in aid of cancer charities such as Macmillan, Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie and generally spreading the word via social media. So, don’t sit still this May; get involved and spread the word to stay safe this summer—skin cancer is real, and it can happen to you, so remember, protect your skin!