Children from across the North West are joining forces with North West Cancer Research to spread an important message \u2013 wear sunscreen, even when it\u2019s cloudy.<\/p>\n
The charity\u2019s latest campaign,\u00a0SPF, even in the North West, aims to tackle the region\u2019s above-average skin cancer rates by encouraging adults to look after their skin just as carefully as they do for their children\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Skin cancer rates in the North West are higher than the rest of England, with people in Merseyside 35% more likely to be diagnosed, and those in Cumbria, Cheshire and Lancashire also facing significantly higher risks.<\/p>\n
One of the people supporting the campaign is Bolton dad Daniel Lloyd, who knows first-hand how important early detection is. Daniel was diagnosed with melanoma last year after his wife spotted a mole on his back had changed shape and colour. At first, doctors weren\u2019t concerned, but after further checks, the results revealed skin cancer.<\/p>\n
Daniel said:<\/strong> \u201cIt was a massive shock, my first thought was of my daughter. I\u2019ve always been careful in the sun but I admit that when I was younger I\u2019d go for a lower SPF because I wanted a tan. Now I\u2019m much more careful \u2013 here in the UK as well as abroad. My advice is simple \u2013 you know your body, so if something doesn\u2019t look right, get it checked.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel\u2019s melanoma was caught early and successfully removed, but his experience is a reminder that sun protection is essential, whatever the weather.<\/p>\n Professor Rowan Pritchard-Jones, Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, agrees: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe need sunshine, but we don\u2019t need sun damage. You can enjoy the sun anywhere, but you must follow simple steps to protect your skin \u2013 like using SPF30 or higher and reapplying regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n North West Cancer Research CEO, Alastair Richards, who has also had skin cancer, says the message is simple:<\/strong> <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not telling people to fear the sun. We\u2019re telling them to respect it \u2013 and to take the same care with their own skin that they do for their children\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n The charity is urging everyone to use sunscreen of at least SPF30, limit time in the sun between 10am and 3pm, and keep an eye out for any changes to moles or new skin marks.<\/p>\n Find out more about the campaign here.<\/a> Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n
\nKeep up to date with us at the Guide Liverpool on our website.<\/a><\/p>\n