Olympic stars say be SunSmart this summer with Cancer Research UK

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Melanoma / Skin Cancer;  Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 13 Jul 2004 - 16:00 PDT

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The UK's top sports stars have joined forces to urge the public to stay savvy in the sun this summer and seek the shade in a bid to protect against skin cancer.

Members of the Olympic team, rowers James Cracknell and Matthew Pinsent, swimmer Katy Sexton and javelin thrower Steve Backley, have added their support to Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign.

The campaign, which is a joint initiative with the UK Health Departments, is raising awareness of how to be safer in the sun and protect against skin cancer.

"SunSmart is a great initiative," says James Cracknell. "If we can do what the Australians have done and make it cool to cover up, we could save a lot of people from developing skin cancer.

"When we were at the Sydney Olympics, we couldn't help but notice skin cancer prevention messages everywhere. We were aware that it was not cool to be tanned.

"As a new dad I will be making sure that Croyde stays out of the sun. He can enjoy the fresh air but under the safety of a sun umbrella!"

James will also be handing out special signed photographs with the SunSmart code on the reverse to help fans in Athens stay safe.

Matthew Pinsent is looking forward to this summer's Olympics but adds a note of caution: "Athens is set to be a great Olympics but it is going to be hot and sunny. I hope all our supporters remember to bring a hat and shades with them and cover up with T-shirts and a high factor sunscreen."

"I am delighted to join my team mates in supporting Cancer Research UK and its SunSmart initiative," adds Steve Backley. "I train regularly in South Africa and you can't help being sun smart out there. If you weren't you would frazzle.

"I am looking forward to the Olympics this year but I am going to take great care out in the sun and I would urge everyone to follow the SunSmart code. It is better to be safe than sorry and, as well as literally being a pain, sunburn can double your chance of getting skin cancer in later life."

Britain's leading female swimmer, Katy Sexton, says: "I am delighted to support Cancer Research UK's SunSmart initiative. I was shocked to discover that more people are now dying of skin cancer in this country than in Australia and I want to urge people to cover up in the sun."

Malignant melanoma is the third most common cancer in those aged 15-39 - yet it is one of the most preventable by taking a few easy precautions when in the sun.

Professor Robert Souhami, Cancer Research UK's Director of Clinical and External Affairs, says: "We appreciate the support of such high-profile sportspeople and wish James Cracknell, Matthew Pinsent, Katy Sexton and Steve Backley all the best in Athens.

"It is fantastic that they are backing this skin cancer awareness campaign as the number of cases of malignant melanoma has risen sharply over the last five years, with an increase of 24 per cent over this period.

"The dangers of over-exposure to the sun are more than apparent and people need to be aware of the risks they take whenever they are out in strong sunshine without suitable protection, whether on the beach or in their back garden."

The SunSmart campaign is based around five core messages:

-- Stay in the shade 11 - 3 the sun is most dangerous in the middle of the day find shade under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors

-- Make sure you never burn
sunburn can double your risk of cancer

-- Always cover up
sunscreen is not enough - wear a T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses (eyes get sun damaged too)

-- Remember to take extra care with children, young skin is delicate
keep babies out of direct sunlight, especially between 11 - 3

-- Then use factor 15+ sunscreen
apply sunscreen generously 15 - 30 minutes before you go outside (it doesn't work immediately), and reapply often

Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

Posters, leaflets and postcards are set to be distributed to schools, cinemas and doctors surgeries across the country to spread the SunSmart messages.

For more information about Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign, log onto http://www.sunsmart.co.uk. ENDS Media contact If you would like to get in touch with the Cancer Research UK press office, please go to Cancer Research UK's contact page.

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