HEALTH + WELLNESS
BENENDEN HOSPITAL :
Helping you to be sun safe
THE BALMY DAYS OF LATE SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED , AND WITH THEM COMES OUR COLLECTIVE SIGH OF RELIEF AT THE CHANCE TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS , SOAKING UP THE SUNSHINE AND A DOSE OF ESSENTIAL VITAMIN D . WHILE BASKING IN SOME MUCH-NEEDED RAYS , IT ’ S IMPORTANT TO PRACTISE SUN SAFETY .
1 - 7 May was Sun Awareness Week , the British Association of Dermatologists ’ annual campaign to raise awareness of the importance of sun protection . It aims to tackle misconceptions that sun protection is rarely needed in the UK ’ s temperate maritime climate .
Overexposure to the sun ’ s ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation is the main preventable cause of skin cancer , the most common form of cancer in the UK . Rates have risen steadily since the 1970s and at least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year .
There are numerous ways to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer . Daily use of a Sun Protection Factor ( SPF ) 30 or above sun cream is recommended ; use SPF 50 when in strong direct sunlight . Regularly check your skin for signs of skin cancer , ideally once a month , looking for new lumps , spots , scaly patches or moles that have changed shape , colour or texture . Early detection is the best step in the prevention of serious skin cancers , which is why it is best to get any suspicious moles screened by a dermatologist as soon as possible .
Benenden Hospital , near Cranbrook , offers a fast mole scanning service for anyone aged 18 and over , which provides an assessment of any moles or pigmented lesions you may be worried about and is accessible via a self-pay pathway . This consultation only lasts approximately 20 minutes and a consultant report is sent to patients within one week . If there is any cause for concern , the hospital ’ s dedicated team of consultant dermatologists or Outpatient team can discuss the next steps . Find out more about the dermatology services at Kent ’ s only CQC-rated Outstanding private hospital at : benendenhospital . org . uk / treatmentsservices / dermatology .
As well as keeping a close eye on moles , if you have a family history of skin cancer , fair skin or hair and lots of freckles , you need to be cautious about sun exposure . Naturally , sun-protective clothing goes a long way in shielding you from harmful rays – dark colours such as red , navy blue or black absorb more UV rays than lighter colours . It also goes without saying that children should always be shielded and given sun protection between March and October , with babies under six months kept out of direct sunlight .
However you plan to enjoy the glorious warmer weather this year , or whether you are working outdoors , remember to seek shade , cover up , wear sunglasses and sunscreen – and above all , be sun safe .
To find out more about Benenden Hospital , or book your scan today , visit benendenhospital . org . uk / book-now , or call their private patient team on 01580 363 156 .
* Guide price is from £ 55 for analysis of the first mole or pigmented lesion . Each additional mole / pigmented lesion scanned at the same consultation will cost £ 20 .
150