Time to take skin cancer seriously
The number of cases of malignant melanoma has risen above 10,000 a year for the first time. *
And with a heat wave forecast across Britain this summer, experts warn that the number of diagnoses of the deadliest form of skin cancer is higher than ever before due to a ‘binge tanning’ culture.
Around 5,600 women are diagnosed each year compared with 4,800 men, but men are more likely to die of the disease – thought to be because men check their moles for changes less frequently than women.
Malignant melanoma cases have been rising rapidly. Ten thousand four hundred cases were recorded in 2006, compared with 5,625 in 1993. The figure is expected to top 15,500 by 2024, if the trend continues.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Health Information, said: “With the rates of malignant melanoma in the UK rising faster than any other cancer, it’s more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of getting burned, either in the sun or from using sunbeds.
“Most melanoma skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV rays given off by the sun and sunbeds. But, crucially, if people are careful not to redden or burn, especially if they have fair or freckly skin then most cases of malignant melanoma could be prevented.”
To avoid the risk of developing skin cancer, experts advise spending time in the shade during the hottest part of the day, covering up where possible, wearing sunglasses and applying high factor sunscreen regularly.
Cancer Research UK says that skin cancers can appear as a spot or sore that does not heal and that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust or bleed. If there are areas where the skin has broken down or ulcerated with no obvious cause, and they do not heal within one month, advice should be sought from a doctor.
Many of Westfield Health’s cash plans include a GP telephone consultation service for policyholders and their resident family members, which provides access to a qualified UK GP at a convenient time for the patient. The helpline can be called at any time of the day and from anywhere in the world.
In addition, Westfield’s Advantage and Good4you Plans offer cash back, up to set limits, towards the cost of health screening for policyholders with level four or five cover, while the Westfield Flex Plan offers the benefit from level one.
For more information about the Advantage Plan, please visit
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp
For more information about the Good4you Plan, please visit
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/individual-health-plans/health-cash-plan.asp
For more information about the Westfield Flex Plan, please visit
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/flex/index.asp
References
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