MPs this week met with cancer charities and clinical experts in the House of Commons to discuss a new initiative to help increase the prevention and early detection of skin conditions, including cancer, caused by long-term sun exposure. The new awareness initiative is being led by Skcin – the UK's only skin cancer specific charity with national status – working in partnership with LEO Pharma.
 
Approximately 13 million people or 24 per cent of the population in England and Wales are affected by some form of skin disease. In fact, skin cancer is the now most common form of cancer in the UK, with more cases diagnosed each year than breast and lung cancers combined.
 
With skin cancer rates having quadrupled over the last 30 years, addressing and preventing the cumulative effects of long-term sun exposure will be crucial if we are to avoid a skin cancer ‘time bomb’ in the years to come.   
 
In particular, measures to prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) – a pre-malignant skin condition caused by sun damage with the potential to develop into skin cancer – were discussed during the meeting and will be a key focus of the new campaign.
 
Anyone can have sun damaged skin. It is important to look out for ALL skin changes, not just in moles, that might be markers for skin cancer or an increased risk of getting skin cancer. Checking your skin regularly means any potential problems are more likely to be found and treated at an early stage.  For further information on how to check your skin go to: www.checkskinchanges.com 
 
Pledging their support for the new campaign, Sir Roger said: “Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but also one of the most preventable. As we head into the summer months, this timely new initiative will help raise awareness with the public to ensure that they take simple, yet crucial measures, to help minimise skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun.”
 
Joergen Damsbo Andersen, Regional Vice President of LEO Pharma said: “LEO Pharma is delighted to be working in partnership with Skcin to launch this new initiative to help increase the prevention and early detection of skin diseases related to long term sun exposure. We are committed to providing total care solutions to people living with skin conditions, and this new awareness initiative is another step towards helping people to achieve healthy skin.”

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