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Kev Lawrence: on the real dangers of sun-worshipping
This summer, 68 per cent of people in the UK will risk damaging their skin by using inadequate or no sun-protection.
This summer, 68 per cent of people in the UK will risk damaging their skin by using inadequate or no sun-protection.It is a weird thought process that some folk have – that the sun in this country might be less likely to burn you than the sun you get in Spain or Corfu. However windy it is, however cloudy, however cool the temperature, there is only one sun, and it is very damaging.
As I found out three years ago, when a small mole on the side of my neck was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. It was removed and, at the time, I recall fearing for my life after googling what that particular type of skin cancer was like. In my own case, I thanked the lucky stars that it was caught in its early stages, before it had time to spread, but I know of others who haven't been quite so lucky.
One sun-worshipping chap, in his early 30s, was diagnosed with a mole that was malignant, caught very late, I am afraid, and within months he had died. Another sunbed loving lady I heard of had a small mole on her ankle which turned very dark and crusty. She ignored it for a couple of years, and when finally she got it checked, it was again too late. Her cancer took her life within three months of being diagnosed. This type of cancer is terminal if not caught early.
Ask anyone who has ever been struck with skin cancer, and they will tell you how important it is not only to take care in the sun, but to also check your body for any suspect moles.
The Fitzwilliam Hospital, in Bretton, has a marvellous machine that can map moles on your body, and give you a warning if any look suspicious. Recently I had two more moles removed, mainly as a precaution, but the peace of mind gained from monitoring any changes in them is invaluable to me.
I do not want to appear sensationalist, but as we approach summer, I feel strongly that more should be done to educate the public on how damaging UV rays can be.
The Lido outdoor swimming pool opened this weekend in the city. It's a wonderful place, particularly on beautifully warm days like Sunday, but I cannot help wondering how many families were there enjoying themselves without adequate sun protection. I also know that the Lido does not sell any kind of sun cream. For an outdoor council-owned facility that relies on hot weather for a busy session, this seems very short-sighted to me. What's to stop them selling it?
Sunburn is effectively a radiation burn, and prolonged exposure to the sun will cause the skin to over-heat, and become very red and painful. This leads to skin cancer, at worst, and premature aging, at best. There is nothing wrong with wanting a tan but, for heaven's sake, take some personal responsibility and do it sensibly, with the right precaution for yourselves and especially your kids.
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Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
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