Most skin cancers are caused by too much sun. They could be prevented by taking care in strong sunshine and avoiding sunburn.

Our advice to stay safe in the sun

Spend time in the shade between 11am-3pm

Make sure you never burn

Apply a layer of moisturising cream under a layer of sunscreen prior to prolonged sun exposure

Use factor 15+ sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Detecting skin cancer

You may have some moles or dark patches on your skin that are flat or slightly raised. Usually these will remain harmless all your life.

But moles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour over weeks or months in adult life should be shown to your doctor. Be aware and check for signs which could indicate melanoma.

and remember... if you have any doubts whatsoever, contact your GP straight away

Case study
Why support RAFT?
Ann Wilson was 43 when she sadly lost her battle with melanoma in 2006. Ann was married with two young children. She was fit and active, a great lover of mountain walking and of skiing. When she fell ill she was on the point of resuming her career in ophthalmic optics, a job she had loved.

The first sign of melanoma came in 1995, shortly after the birth of Ann’s first child, when a mole on her back proved to be malignant. The first excision didn’t remove all the malignancy so further surgery was carried out. It was to be 10 years before the symptoms of a tumour in her liver were to show themselves.

“We could never have predicted that Ann would be vulnerable to this disease. Her loss has had an enormous impact on family and friends. We chose to support RAFT because their research addresses our crucial questions: what is the cure for melanoma? What are the causes? Why are some people more vulnerable than others?

We are delighted to support their progress in these areas.”

Kay Hartnoll, Ann’s sister