SPF, even in the North West – local kids urge adults to protect their skin

Children from across the North West are joining forces with North West Cancer Research to spread an important message – wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy.

The charity’s latest campaign, SPF, even in the North West, aims to tackle the region’s above-average skin cancer rates by encouraging adults to look after their skin just as carefully as they do for their children’s.

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.

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’t concerned, but after further checks, the results revealed skin cancer.

Daniel said: “It was a massive shock, my first thought was of my daughter. I’ve always been careful in the sun but I admit that when I was younger I’d go for a lower SPF because I wanted a tan. Now I’m much more careful – here in the UK as well as abroad. My advice is simple – you know your body, so if something doesn’t look right, get it checked.”

Daniel’s melanoma was caught early and successfully removed, but his experience is a reminder that sun protection is essential, whatever the weather.

Professor Rowan Pritchard-Jones, Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, agrees:

“We need sunshine, but we don’t need sun damage. You can enjoy the sun anywhere, but you must follow simple steps to protect your skin – like using SPF30 or higher and reapplying regularly.”

North West Cancer Research CEO, Alastair Richards, who has also had skin cancer, says the message is simple:

“We’re not telling people to fear the sun. We’re telling them to respect it – and to take the same care with their own skin that they do for their children’s.”

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.

Find out more about the campaign here.

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