‘Cover Up Mate’ – and reduce skin cancer risk

MEN in East Sussex are being urged to cover up this summer and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.

Cases of potentially fatal malignant melanoma, the most serious form of the disease, have more than doubled in the county since 2006 and rates are rising faster in men than women.

East Sussex County Council’s public health team is backing the national ‘Cover Up Mate’ campaign, which urges men to protect themselves from the sun.

The campaign targets men who work outdoors, who are at greatest risk of skin cancer but are often reluctant to take the simple steps which can drastically reduce their risk.

Cynthia Lyons, East Sussex acting director of public health, said: “Cases of malignant melanoma are rising faster among men than women, but men are often worse than their female counterparts at protecting themselves from the sun.

“Outdoor workers such as farmers or those working in the construction industry often just want to get on with the job, but they may end up paying the penalty for not taking this issue seriously.

“A sun tan is a sign of damage to the skin, not of health, and sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.