NWCR
Putting our region's cancer needs first

Block the sun, not the fun!

When the sun is shining, it’s great to get out and enjoy all the fun things to do and places to see in the great North West. Especially as the vitamin D we get from the sun helps to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

Even you grown-ups!

However, it’s important we all know and remember how to enjoy it safely. This is because as adults, we can sometimes spend so much time teaching young children the importance of sun safety that we can forget about it ourselves.

How to protect yourself

We all know that up north, the weather can be unpredictable. But whether it’s sunny or cloudy, UV rays can still cause damage to young and old skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

There are lots of simple things we can all do to protect ourselves and reduce our risk of skin cancer, for example:

  • Use a high-factor sunscreen of at least SPF30 and reapply it regularly, even on cloudy days
  • Wear light, long sleeve clothing along with a sunhat and sunglasses
  • Try to limit your time in the sun between 10am and 3pm
  • Do not use sunbeds and sunlamps
  • Regularly check your skin for changes or discolouration, new moles or freckles.

So grown ups, even though it’s important to teach children to block the sun, not the fun – don’t forget you’ve got to do it too!

Did you know?

Liverpool has the highest levels of melanoma across the North West, with an incidence rate 35% higher than the rest of England.

Cumbria also experiences high rates of melanoma, with reported cases at a rate 33% higher than that experienced nationally. Cheshire has rates of 32% and Lancashire's skin cancer rates are 15% higher. 

That's why it’s important to block the sun, not the fun! And why we continue to put our region’s cancer needs first.                           

Mike's Story

Martina's Story

Staying Sun Smart

Know The Risks

Some factors can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

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Staying Sun Smart

Find out how to protect your skin from the sun.

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Spot the Signs

Read about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.

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