With skin cancer on the rise, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have taken their message to the people who deal directly with our skin by holding workshops for beauty therapy tutors.
The PHA and Cancer Focus NI have held a series of workshops for beauty therapy tutors in further education colleges across Northern Ireland with the aim of improving their knowledge and skills in the causes, prevention and early detection of skin cancer.
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Be safe in the sun: What lesions of skin cancer may look like. If you have any concerns, speak to your GP or contact Cancer Focus NI. [/caption]
Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, explained: “The number of cases of malignant melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, in Northern Ireland has almost trebled in the past 25 years, highlighting that action needs to be taken now. Malignant melanoma is associated with UV exposure, which can come directly from the sun or from sunbed use; both sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are damaging to our skin.”
The Public Health Agency, Cancer Focus and hospital consultants were very impressed by the enthusiasm of beauty therapists to play a role in promoting skin safety to their clients. Following the workshops, a range of teaching resources will be provided for use by beauty therapy students.
Marbeth Ferguson, Skin Cancer Prevention Co-ordinator at Cancer Focus NI, said: “The tutors will be able to impart their knowledge to future beauty therapists who will be well-placed to advise their clients on protecting their skin from UV damage and help them know how to spot early signs of skin cancer.
“It’s important for everyone to watch out for the early signs of cancer by examining their skin regularly and being aware of any changes. If you notice a lump, a sore which does not heal, a mole which changes shape, size, colour or bleeds easily, or if you have any concerns, seek advice from your GP immediately.”
For further information on sun safety see:
If you are concerned about skin cancer you can also call the Cancer Focus NI free information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339 or email one of the charity’s nurses on helpline@cancerfocusni.org
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Background information about Skin Cancer.
* Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for 30% of all cancers diagnosed here – around 3,550* people develop it each year. While most skin cancers are not malignant the most severe form, malignant melanoma, can be a potentially life threatening condition, particularly if not diagnosed in the early stages. (*average number per year from 2008-2012. Ref. NI Cancer Registry)
* It is important to check skin regularly for suspected skin cancers. Check the whole body as skin cancer can occur in places not normally exposed to the sun. Be aware of any new spots, or existing spots that have changed colour, size or shape. A skin cancer may be a spot that bleeds easily, never heals properly or is always itchy. If an unusual spot is identified, show this to a doctor. Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if treated early.
* The Public Health Agency is the lead organisation for the implementation of the Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2021 launched in July 2011.
* Building on the work of the former Northern Ireland Melanoma Implementation Group (NIMSIG), a Skin Cancer Strategy Implementation Group, jointly chaired by the Public Health Agency and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, has been established to take forward the six objectives contained in the Strategy and Action Plan.
* The Skin Cancer Strategy Implementation Group is a multi-agency group which includes representatives from the Public Health Agency, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Environmental Health, General Practice, Pharmacy, the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, the Northern Health & Social Care Trust, the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, the Western Health & Social Care Trust, the Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.
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