LDN Get Sun Set

It’s time to protect your skin

Let’s face it, Londoners can’t get enough of the sun when it shines. But here’s the thing: protecting your skin from the sun isn’t just a summer habit, it’s a year-round priority. Harmful rays from the sun can damage and burn your skin, increasing your chances of skin cancer by nearly 80%.

Significantly reduce your risk and get sun set, all year round.

An overhead shot of a sunny park with people sitting on the grass. In the centre on the grass is written LDN Get Sun Set

Skin protection matters 365 days a year

It’s crucial for Londoners to take action and improve education on how to get sun set.

The LDN Get Sun Set campaign aims to raise awareness about year-round sun and skin safety, including the effects of sunburn and UV rays, and the importance of protecting your skin to reduce risk of developing skin cancer.

Text over a blue sky background says 90% of skin cancer.

is caused by over exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV rays) which penetrate the skin and cause damage to the cells.
Text over a blue sky background says One of the most common cancers.

particularly for young people in the UK
Text against a blue sky background says 28 per cent of Londoners.

feel there is not enough awareness about the dangers of UV exposure and sun protection.

What are UV rays and are they a risk in London?

UV rays are a type of invisible radiation from the sun that doesn’t require sunshine, or even warmth, to cause sun damage to your skin. The rays can penetrate your skin even when it’s cloudy – in other words, even in typical London weather.

UV rays affect the outer layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. Over exposure causes scarring, long-term sensitive skin and early signs of ageing. They are also directly linked to cell damage.

This is because when the skin absorbs UV radiation, it can damage the DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that may lead to uncontrolled growth and skin cancer.  

A runner is on sand staring up at the sky and giving the thumbs up. On the sand is printed the words LDN get sun set.

 

Your skin is your first defence, don’t wait until it’s too late to protect it

An icon showing a suncream bottle with a factor of 30 plus.

Wear suncream

Suncream works to absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays. Choose a suncream with a minimum of SPF 30 to protect against both UV rays and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming. If makeup is part of your daily routine, choose products that include SPF - or apply suncream as a first step.

An icon showing a beach umbrella providing shade.

Seek shade

Limit your exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm when UV levels tend to be at their highest.

An icon showing t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.

Cover yourself up

Throw on sunglasses, a hat, and sleeves to protect your eyes and skin from too much sun exposure.

An icon showing a dial at plus three with a sun behind it.

Check the UV index

Before heading outside, use the Skcin UV index to check the UV level – if it’s 3 or above, make sure to protect yourself

Prevention and early detection save lives

In the UK, 71% of young people have admitted to getting sunburnt, with 15% believing this is normal for the “summer holiday season”. But what many don’t realise is that UV damage builds up over time, starting with your very first sunburn. The more you burn the greater the risk – and yet it’s avoidable.  Every day in the UK, 430 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer in the UK.

An overhead shot of a sunny park with people sitting on the grass. Text over the image says every day 430 people diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in the UK. 71% of young people have admitted to getting sunburnt. 15% believe sunburn is normal for the summer holiday season.

 

All skin types can get skin cancer, however, those at greatest risk can include:

An icon of sunburn on an arm.

Fairer skin types that burn easily in the sun

An icon of red hair.

Red or blonde hair

An icon of a mole on a face.

A large number of freckles or moles

An icon of a sunbed in the sun.

A history of tanning and/or sunbed use

An icon of a family.

A history of skin cancer in the family

Know your skin: Spotting the signs of skin cancer

By adopting good sun safe practices and keeping a regular check on moles, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Getting sun set isn’t just about prevention, it’s also about early detection. While most of us have moles, freckles, tags, or other skin marks, it’s crucial to check these regularly.

An icon of an odd shaped mole.

A change in size, shape, or colour

An icon of a mole with an irregular border.

An irregular border

An icon of a drop of blood.

If it bleeds, itches, or feels different

What does a common mole look like?

A graphic showing icons of normal moles and irregular moles.

If you notice anything different to what is usual for you, it is important that you speak to your doctor. Recognising the early signs of skin cancer is important – over 85% of UK skin cancer cases are caught early, and detection saves lives.

Tools and knowledge to be safe, all year-round

A overhead shot of a skater on concrete. On the concrete is written the words LDN Get Sun Set.

If you're living in North East London, gaining the right knowledge, protecting your skin, and acting early can help reduce your risk of skin cancer.

You can find more information on how to Get Sun Set today by visiting:

Get Sun Set

Get Sun Set is brought to you by the North East London Cancer Alliance in partnership with Skcin, a leading UK charity dedicated to skin cancer prevention, early detection and education.

References:

When asked Did you ever get sunburned as a child or teenager? 65.90% of all respondents said ‘Yes’. This increased to 76.66% of people who described their skin tone as Type 1 or ‘Light, pale, white’.
NHS, Sunscreen and sun safety, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ 

Melanoma Focus, UK public ignoring skin cancer risks, UK public ignoring skin cancer risks - Melanoma Focus

London Mole Removal Centre, Young Adults Lacking Sunburn Concerns, https://www.mole-removal.co.uk/young-adults-lacking-sunburn-concerns/

Cancer Research UK, Non-melanoma skin cancer statistics, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/non-melanoma-skin-cancer#heading-Zero  

NHS, Causes Melanoma skin cancer, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes/

Aurora Health Care, Moles symptoms & treatment, https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/dermatology/moles

NHS UK, Cancer Registrations Statistics, England 202, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-registration-statistics/england-2021---summary-counts-only/cancer-incidence-by-stage