Sun Awareness Week
Date of release: 22 May 2024
With summer just around the corner, a nursing team from Cannock has been shining the spotlight on an important annual health campaign.
Members of the Skin Cancer Services Team
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Skin Cancer Services Team, based at Cannock Hospital, hosted a stand to promote Sun Awareness Week.
The focus took place from 6 to 12 May this year and concentrated on raising awareness of non-melanoma skin cancer and best practices for people to check their skin.
Visitors had the opportunity to talk to specialist nurses and learn more about the importance of skin health, skin cancer prevention and detection.
Jodie Bate, Lead Nurse who specialises in Skin Cancer, was on hand to provide valuable insights and answer any questions along with her colleague Lynne Moreland, Clinical Nurse Specialist.
She said: “The turnout and support we received was overwhelming, with numerous individuals joining us to learn more and ask questions. It was heartening to witness the enthusiasm and genuine interest in sun awareness.
“By raising awareness and fostering a culture of proactive skin health, we can make a significant impact in preventing and detecting skin cancer. The event we ran was just the beginning of our efforts and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue spreading awareness and saving lives.”
The team has shared the following tips to help prevent sun damage:
- Sun protection: Always wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours between 10am and 4pm.
- Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and sunglasses, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Skin examinations: Perform self-examinations to monitor changes in moles, freckles, or skin lesions, and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any suspicious changes.
Skin Cancer Services is located in the Day Treatment Unit at Cannock Chase Hospital and operate Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm.
The team offers a range of services, including Fast Track, Cancer Reviews, Breaking Bad News Clinics, wound care and other services including management of inflammatory conditions and surgical procedures (biopsies, excisions).
