Summer's coming - so get sun smart

As part of Sun Awareness Week, St Thomas’ Hospital is hosting an event on Friday 4 May for patients and members of the public.

The event will take place from 12 noon – 2.30pm in Central Hall at St Thomas’. Staff from St John's Institute of Dermatology and patients from the melanoma discussion group will provide information on how to protect your skin from the sun, and the importance of alerting doctors to changes in moles.

St John’s Institute at Guy’s and St Thomas’ is the UK’s largest referral centre for skin cancer. The institute has the best equipped skin imaging unit in the UK – only a handful of other centres around the world have comparable research and development capability.

On the increase

UK cases of skin cancer have more than quadrupled over the last thirty years. Malignant melanoma (the most serious type) has seen the largest increase in new cases of all major cancers.

“Early detection is vital as some skin cancers can spread quickly,” says Dr Emma Craythorne. “Our new imaging equipment, funded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, makes it easier and quicker to determine whether moles and skin lesions are a cause for concern.”

Dr Danuta Orlowska, the clinical psychologist involved with the melanoma discussion group and the event organiser, says: “We are delighted to have the support and input of patients who want to raise awareness of skin cancer and the importance of sun protection based on their own experiences.”

The melanoma discussion group provides a forum for patients to discuss their diagnosis and treatment, supported by clinical nurse specialists and a clinical psychologist in the skin cancer team.