Watch Your Back

Keeping gardeners and horticulturists safe under the sun

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SUN PROTECTION

We are Sun Protection Accredited to the Watch Your Back! campaign, having pledged to raise awareness of sun protection and skin cancer, protecting the health of our staff and customers.

Skin cancer mainly affects those who spend lots of time outdoors without sun protection, so it makes sense for us all to take the risks seriously. Over the last 30 years, incidence of melanoma has more than doubled in women and tripled in men, so we aim to address this.

The sun can damage your skin between March and October, specifically when the UV Index is 3 and over. Bear in mind that you can burn, even on cloudy days, and the weather can be changeable, so always start the day ‘sun prepared’:

  • Between March – October, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30+) on exposed skin, sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before working outdoors to ensure it is properly rubbed in and active.
  • Keep your top on when working, and ideally your shoulders covered.
  • Select shade if possible, to carry out tasks, or for breaks.
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially when it’s very warm.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours on sunny days or more often when working with water or when sweating. Remember sunscreen can easily be rubbed off when carrying or brushing against items.
  • Always remember to protect lips, nose, ears and back of neck, areas easily missed and prone to sunburn.
  • Check your skin every month. If a mole or lesion starts changing in shape or colour, itches, or bleeds, visit your GP immediately.

For further information on sun protection and skin checking visit the Watch Your Back! campaign at www.melanoma-fund.co.uk

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which after time can reach into the deeper layers of skin, where it is at risk of spreading to other parts of the body

1

NEW CASES A YEAR

1 %

OF PEOPLE CHECK THEIR OWN SKIN

1 %

PROJECTED INCREAS IN CASES

Skin Cancer Facts

Our facts have been verified by medical experts, to
educate on melanoma and other forms of skin cancer,
promoting early detection:

Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which after time can reach into the deeper layers of skin, where it is at risk of spreading to other parts of the body.

  • Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, with around 16,200 new cases diagnosed every year, that is 44 a day.
  • Since the early 1990s, incidence rates in women have more than doubled in the UK and in males almost tripled.
  • Incidence is projected to rise by 7% in the UK between 2014 and 2035, to 32 cases per 100,000 people by 2035.
  • Incidence increases with age, with a quarter of all new cases diagnosed in people aged 75 and over.
  • As well as skin, melanoma can also develop in the eyes and in the nailbeds.
  •  Melanoma does not discriminate by age, race, or gender, although those very fair skin and/or red hair are highly vulnerable.
  •  Melanoma can occur anywhere, but in men is it most common on the upper back, head, and neck and in women, on the legs.
  • Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning but can also develop from or near an existing mole or lesion.
  • Only 33% check their own skin annually, despite dermatologists recommending that this should be carried out monthly.
  • New, rapidly growing moles, or moles that itch, bleed, or change colour, need to be checked immediately by your GP.
Visit: www.melanoma-fund.co.ukto find out more
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