Latest news with #MichelleBaker
Yahoo
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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 Mirror
17-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Benidorm warning to Brits as scam that will 'ruin holiday' takes 'scary twist'
A Benidorm expert has warned Brits that a common crime in the popular tourist hotspot has taken a "scarier twist" in recent times – and she knows from personal experience A Benidorm specialist has issued a stark warning to Brits, stating that a common crime in the popular holiday destination has taken a "scarier twist". Michelle Baker, who moved to Spain 40 years ago and raised a family in Benidorm while running a newspaper for two decades, now shares information through her Facebook group, Benidormforever. She has urged visitors to stay alert. "Phone theft is the No1 crime in Benidorm and it's now taken a scarier twist," she penned, revealing details about a new phone scam. She added: "I'm generally very positive about Benidorm, but several people I know personally have told me this happened to them recently (all of whom I consider streetwise individuals and none were drunk)." Michelle revealed that she nearly fell victim herself to this crime in recent weeks, describing it as "clearly common and very easy to fall for", before explaining what the crime involved. She explained: "You're approached by an agitated young individual who has 'lost' his friends and can't remember where he's staying. He explains vaguely where he thinks it is and you open Google Maps on your phone to help him find his way. "Once your phone is unlocked he snatches it and runs FAST; with adrenaline on his side he's a two second head-start before you even react. Quickly passing the phone to tech savvy experts, within minutes passwords were expertly changed and large amounts of savings swiped. "I was lucky; I didn't get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was... but my friends weren't so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this. "It's even sadder when you consider the many recent genuine stories of tourists getting lost, sometimes with tragic endings.. "So the moral of the story is; keep your phone out of sight; at best it'll be swiped from a bar table and sold on for a few euros... but now it appears you'll have all your money nicked too." Michelle emphasised that while the incidents were non-violent, they could still "ruin your holiday". She added, if you are approached by someone seemingly lost asking for help, guide them to the nearest hotel rather than whipping out your mobile. Ominous reports earlier in the year included a British tourist in Benidorm being targeted by thieves who made off with his phone, leading to a staggering £16,000 spent via the pilfered handset. Following the incident, two young individuals, aged 19 and 20, were apprehended by the Policia Nacional. The authorities subsequently issued advice to never enter passwords or codes into your phone if there are onlookers, and to utilise different passwords for banking applications as a precaution against theft. The Foreign Office has issued a warning to travellers, stating: "Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire. "Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you're concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner."
