§ Mr. KempTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to promote awareness of the risk of skin cancer associated with exposure to the sun. [90275]
§ Ms JowellSkin cancers are largely preventable and we continue to work closely with a wide range of public bodies in raising public awareness of the sun's harmful effects and the ways in which the risks from those effects can be reduced. The Health Education Authority's annual "Sun Know How" campaign financed through the Department provides a range of information, fact sheets, posters and guidance for health professionals, for local health promotion initiatives and direct to the general public. This includes both general and targeted advice on the measures a person can take to lessen risks of sunburn. The new Ultra Violet Solar Index developed with the Meteorological Office and now provided through weather broadcasts is a further example of the work the Department is supporting to provide people with information to assess their own risk, giving forecasts on the day to day strength of the sun's rays and its capacity to burn.
For those who do develop skin cancer, even the most dangerous type, malignant melanoma, prompt recognition and diagnosis provide the best chance of successful treatment. Information for the public on how and what to recognise as the early signs of skin cancer and on when to consult their general practitioner, together with more detailed advice for health professionals plays an important role through the health promotion messages on skin cancer.
This work will continue and build on people's increasing level of awareness of the risks of skin cancer from excessive sun exposure further promoting the simple preventative measures that can be taken-cover up, seek shade particularly around mid-day, protect children and when in the sun use sunscreen.