Latest news with #MelanomaFund
South Wales Guardian
14-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Brit left with serious burns after sunbathing with jewellery
A British man has warned never to sunbathe with jewellery on after suffering second-degree burns when his necklace turned the sun's rays into a 'laser beam' that scorched his neck. Ben Parsons was on holiday with his family in the South of France when he fell asleep on a beach for six hours after applying just one layer of factor 30 suncream. The 27-year-old says he woke up several times throughout the mammoth nap but didn't realise how strong the sun was because the wind was keeping him cool. The worst of the burns were from where the gold necklace he was wearing had 'reflected the sun like a laser beam'. (Image: Kennedy News & Media) The worst of the burns were from where the gold necklace he was wearing had 'reflected the sun like a laser beam' - causing pus-filled blisters to erupt from his chin down to the base of his neck. Ben was left bedbound for five days due to the severity of the burns, which were so painful that he says it felt like his skin was ripping or stretching every time he moved. He says the ordeal 'ruined' his holiday as he was unable to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. The sales executive is now warning sunseekers to regularly apply SPF and take their jewellery off when sunbathing. Ben said: "I was lying down and the necklace was on my chest, pointing up at my neck. A post shared by Melanoma Fund (@melanomafund) Recommended Reading How long does sunscreen last? How to be safe in the sun Is it safe to use expired sunscreen? Expert issues advice Do you need sunscreen in the shade? Experts reveal answer Now, Ben is encouraging other people to apply SPF and take their jewellery off when sunbathing to avoid the same fate. Ben said: "I would definitely say always be extra careful when wearing jewellery because whether it's real gold or not, it can potentially reflect off onto you. "I definitely recommend taking all jewellery off so this sort of thing doesn't happen. "Also, apply suncream regularly so you don't end up ruining your holiday and all of the money you spent to get there."
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
School sun safety lessons trialled to tackle skin cancer
Children as young as five are being taught how to check UV levels and apply sunscreen, as part of a new pilot aimed at reducing future skin cancer cases. The initiative, currently being trialled in primary schools across Kent, is planned to be introduced into Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons nationwide from 2026. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is linked to UV exposure - and experts say sunburn in childhood significantly increases the risk later in life. In 2021, around 18,300 people were diagnosed with melanoma in the UK, according to Cancer Research. That figure is projected to rise to 21,300 by 2026, the charity says. Michelle Baker, from the charity Melanoma Fund, which is behind the education project, said changing children's habits early is key. "People think melanoma is an older person's disease," she says, "but it's often seeded in childhood." She says the project aims to "grow skin cancer out of the next generation". Giving children a sense of control and responsibility for their sun protection is central to this. "We're saying this is your superpower," she adds. At Platt Primary school in Maidstone, pupils are learning to read UV indexes, apply sunscreen properly, and understand when they need protection. Headteacher Emma Smith said the pupils have been "really receptive". "If we educate them early, they're more likely to keep that knowledge as they get older - especially when social media starts to influence their choices." The childhood sun safety drive comes as Cancer Research UK says the rise in melanoma cases among adults is a particular cause for concern. A recent study from the charity found that cancer deaths cost the UK economy £10.3bn a year, more than any other health condition – underlining the importance of preventative measures. Consultant dermatologist Dr Katie Lacy says that educating children about how to look after their skin is key to reducing melanoma rates. Research shows that nine out of 10 cases are caused by UV exposure from the sun and sunbeds. Getting sunburnt regularly increases the chances of skin cancer. Dr Lacy stresses there is no such thing as a "safe tan", explaining that tanning is a response to skin damage. "Most melanomas don't come from existing moles - so if you notice something new, get it checked," she adds. She also highlights the growing role of AI in screening suspicious moles within the NHS - which could help streamline referrals to specialist services. The ABCDE checklist can help identify if a mole is abnormal: A - asymmetrical (does the mole have an uneven shape?) B - border (are the edges blurry or jagged?) C - colour (is it an uneven colour with different shades and tones?) D - diameter (is the mole bigger than your other ones?) E - evolving (is it changing, such as starting to itch, bleed or become crusty?) Source: Cancer Research UK For Kara Leece, diagnosed with melanoma at 29, the message is personal. "If I'd had that education at primary school, I think I could've prevented it," she told BBC News. "Now I have a scar that reminds me of what I've been through. When children ask about it, I tell them my story - because I don't want this to happen to anyone else." Try to keep children in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest Kit them out with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and clothing to cover their skin. Sunscreen is also very important - apply it regularly and generously, and make sure it's at least SPF 30 and four or five stars Source: Cancer Research UK Melanoma skin cancer cases rising in UK Suncream should be everywhere - cancer sufferer Comic Ryan diagnosed with skin cancer for second time
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Skin cancer: Primary school sun safety lessons trialled
Children as young as five are being taught how to check UV levels and apply sunscreen, as part of a new pilot aimed at reducing future skin cancer initiative, currently being trialled in primary schools across Kent, is planned to be introduced into Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons nationwide from the most serious form of skin cancer, is linked to UV exposure - and experts say sunburn in childhood significantly increases the risk later in 2021, around 18,300 people were diagnosed with melanoma in the UK, according to Cancer Research. That figure is projected to rise to 21,300 by 2026, the charity says. Michelle Baker, from the charity Melanoma Fund, which is behind the education project, said changing children's habits early is key. "People think melanoma is an older person's disease," she says, "but it's often seeded in childhood."She says the project aims to "grow skin cancer out of the next generation". Giving children a sense of control and responsibility for their sun protection is central to this. "We're saying this is your superpower," she Platt Primary school in Maidstone, pupils are learning to read UV indexes, apply sunscreen properly, and understand when they need Emma Smith said the pupils have been "really receptive"."If we educate them early, they're more likely to keep that knowledge as they get older - especially when social media starts to influence their choices." No 'safe tan' The childhood sun safety drive comes as Cancer Research UK says the rise in melanoma cases among adults is a particular cause for concern.A recent study from the charity found that cancer deaths cost the UK economy £10.3bn a year, more than any other health condition – underlining the importance of preventative dermatologist Dr Katie Lacy says that educating children about how to look after their skin is key to reducing melanoma shows that nine out of 10 cases are caused by UV exposure from the sun and sunburnt regularly increases the chances of skin cancer. Dr Lacy stresses there is no such thing as a "safe tan", explaining that tanning is a response to skin damage. "Most melanomas don't come from existing moles - so if you notice something new, get it checked," she also highlights the growing role of AI in screening suspicious moles within the NHS - which could help streamline referrals to specialist ABCDE checklist can help identify if a mole is abnormal:A - asymmetrical (does the mole have an uneven shape?)B - border (are the edges blurry or jagged?)C - colour (is it an uneven colour with different shades and tones?)D - diameter (is the mole bigger than your other ones?)E - evolving (is it changing, such as starting to itch, bleed or become crusty?)Source: Cancer Research UKFor Kara Leece, diagnosed with melanoma at 29, the message is personal."If I'd had that education at primary school, I think I could've prevented it," she told BBC News."Now I have a scar that reminds me of what I've been through. When children ask about it, I tell them my story - because I don't want this to happen to anyone else." Tips for keeping kids sun safe Try to keep children in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongestKit them out with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and clothing to cover their skin. Sunscreen is also very important - apply it regularly and generously, and make sure it's at least SPF 30 and four or five starsSource: Cancer Research UK
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Danger of nasal tanning sprays that can cause skin cancer
Experts have warned about Nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to deadly skin cancer. The unregulated sprays - which claim to accelerate tanning - may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The CTSI is now urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. The sprays claim to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation and which is banned in the UK. While this creates a tan it 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. It's these changes that can potentially lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, as the sprays are marketed as a cosmetic product rather than a medicine, they are not as tightly regulated and have surged in popularity. According to the British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit $990million by 2027. The CTSI also raised the alarm on the growing trend of people using flavored nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies. They warned that 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok were posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavors such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The regulator said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products among young people 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the skin-cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviors, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, chairman at the Sunbed Association, added: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' Some British patients have already been harmed by the products. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, said she has been permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan,' she said. Atkin used the product twice and a dark brown mark appeared 'out of absolutely nowhere' on her forehead. She added: 'It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird.' Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, according to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website. Almost nine in ten people diagnosed with melanoma survive ten years or more. There is an annual average of 2,300 deaths from the skin cancer, according to the charity, with it accounting for around 1 per cent of cancer deaths.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent cancer warning over popular tanning product: 'It's dangerous', say experts
Nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to deadly skin cancer are being widely sold across social media platforms, experts have warned. The unregulated sprays–which claim to accelerate tanning–may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The CTSI is now urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. The sprays claim to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation and which is banned in the UK. While this creates a tan it 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. It's these changes that can potentially lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, as the sprays are marketed as a cosmetic product rather than a medicine they are not as tightly regulated and have surged in popularity. According to the British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit £746.3 million by 2027. The CTSI also raised the alarm on the growing trend of people using flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies. They warned that 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok were posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The regulator said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products among young people 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the skin-cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, chairman at the Sunbed Association, added: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' Some British patients have already been harmed by the products. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, said she has been permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan,' she said. Ms Atkin used the £25 product twice and a dark brown mark appeared 'out of absolutely nowhere' on her forehead. She added: 'It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird.' Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its colour. While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, according to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website. There is an annual average of 2,300 deaths from the skin cancer, according to the charity, with it accounting for around 1 per cent of cancer deaths.
