Stay Safe In The Sun

From the BBC:

Sunscreen alone should not be relied on to prevent malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, research suggests. The UK study backs public health campaigns calling for sunscreen to be combined with other ways to protect the skin from sun, such as hats and shade.

Animal research, published in Nature, reveals more about how UV light induces cancer in skin cells. Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with more than 13,000 people diagnosed each year. Sun exposure is a well-known risk factor for melanoma skin cancer.

Cancer Research have said It's essential to get into good sun safety habits, whether at home or abroad, and take care not to burn - sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged.

But, until now, the molecular mechanism by which UV light damages DNA in skin cells has been unclear. In the new study, scientists at the University of Manchester looked at the effects of UV light on the skin of mice at risk of melanoma. This then allowed them to examine the effects of sunscreen in blocking the disease.

"UV light targets the very genes protecting us from its own damaging effects, showing how dangerous this cancer-causing agent is," said lead researcher Prof Richard Marais.

"Very importantly, this study provides proof that sunscreen does not offer complete protection from the damaging effects of UV light.

"This work highlights the importance of combining sunscreen with other strategies to protect our skin, including wearing hats and loose fitting clothing, and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest."

Make sure you stay safe in the sun this summer - whether at home or abroad, cover up well because sunburn can ruin your health and your holiday. 

For Holiday Insurance Quotes, please check out our website HERE.