A Sun Awareness Campaign mole check has highlighted the worryingly high levels of skin cancer amongst beachgoers in the South West, a report due to be released at the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual conference next week will reveal.

Members of the public enjoying the sun at Sandbanks beach, Dorset, were offered free screening for skin cancer and advice on protecting their skin in the sun by a team of dermatologists from Poole and Bournemouth, in conjunction with the British Association of Dermatologists. The pick-up rate for dermatological conditions at the screening was much higher than expected.

Screening Results
Alarmingly, just under one fifth (18.6%) of those screened had a significant dermatological condition either requiring treatment from their GP or a referral to a dermatologist. This included skin cancer, abnormal moles or pre-cancerous sun damage.

Of particular concern, six percent of those screened were suspected of having either a malignant melanoma or a basal cell carcinoma – types of skin cancer – and were advised to seek medical attention.

Survey
Those screened on the beach were also asked to fill in a survey that examined their attitudes and behaviour towards the sun.

Just under a third (28%) of those who took part in the survey admitted to using sunbeds. Worryingly only 39 percent used a sunscreen of SPF 20 or more. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends using a high protection sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

Rebecca Freeman, who runs the British Association of Dermatologists’ Sun Awareness campaign, said: “The screening on Sandbanks beach has exemplified extremely worrying levels of skin cancer in the South West of England.

“Had this event not been held, these cancers could have gone undetected, as most people had not seen their doctor about their skin before.

“In areas such as Dorset where the beach is one of the main attractions, it is vital that those spending long periods of time in the sun protect their skin sufficiently. If spending all day on the beach, holiday makers should seek shade during the hottest period of the day between 11am and 3pm and make sure that they cover up as much as possible with loose clothing. Using a sunscreen of SPF 30 or above is very important but people must remember that it is not the only way to protect the skin.

“People spending long periods of time in the sea, such as surfers, should also ensure that they are wearing protective clothing and water resistant sunscreen with a high SPF. UV rays reflect off the water onto your skin therefore it is particularly important to protect areas such as the face and hands which may be exposed not only to the sun for long periods of time, but also to the UV rays reflecting off the water.

“The alarmingly high number of skin cancer cases that were picked up at this screening reflects the wider picture in the UK. Over 100,000 people a year in the UK are developing skin cancer. Our understanding about the risks of skin cancer is in fact improving, however our behaviour isn’t. Many people think they are protecting their skin by applying sunscreen, but then choose a product with a low protection, use it as an excuse to stay out in the sun, or don’t reapply it often enough.”

Caroline Morgan, Consultant Dermatologist and Lead for skin cancer at Poole hospital, said: “We hope that we have helped to raise awareness about skin cancer through this event. If you are concerned about a mole or changes to your skin it is very important to go and see your GP so that they can refer you on to a dermatologist if necessary. Melanoma death rates in the UK are now higher than those in Australia, and early detection is crucial to successful treatment of skin cancer, which is why this event was so important.”

Skin cancer rates in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall are the highest in the UK and a very high 65 per cent of all new GP referrals to the dermatology department at Poole Hospital are for skin cancer.

The results from this screening seem to reflect the high numbers of patients with skin cancer that Poole and the surrounding areas are now seeing in their hospitals.

Summary of results
• 18.6% of those screened had a significant dermatological condition
• 6% of those screened had either a malignant melanoma or a basal cell carcinoma (types of skin cancer) detected
• 28% of those who filled in the survey admitted to using sunbeds.
• Only 39% used a sunscreen of SPF 20 or more.
• 65% of all new GP referrals to the Dermatology Unit of Poole Hospital are for suspected skin cancer

-Ends-
Notes to editors:

If using this study, please ensure you mention that the study was released at the British Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference.
The conference will be held at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow from July 7th to 10th 2009, and is attended by UK and worldwide dermatologists and dermatology nurses.

“The Incidence of Skin Cancer Detected at a Sun Awareness Beach Campaign” Caroline Morgan, Sarita Jain, Abhiney Jain and Catherine Stephens. Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, United Kingdom
Based on results found at a Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Mole check event held in conjunction with British Association of Dermatologists, July 2008.

The British Association of Dermatologists is the central association of practising UK dermatologists. Our aim is to continually improve the treatment and understanding of skin disease.