Staying safe in the sunshine

Staying safe in the sunshine is SO important whatever the time of year. So we asked our beneficiary, Macmillan Cancer Support, for their top tips for staying safe in the sunshine.

Whether you’re taking the time to do a spot of gardening or out and about visiting a National Garden Scheme garden, it is always important to take care in the sun when gardening. Most skin cancers are caused by skin damage that happens from exposure to the sun. The damage can happen over a long period of time or from getting sunburnt.

People with a history of sunburn or overexposure to the sun in childhood also have a greater risk of developing both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Because people are living longer, they are exposed to more sun over their lifetime.

Follow the advice: Cream – Cover – Check

 

If someone is having or has had cancer their skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Some treatments like radiotherapy can cause sun sensitivity for a few years after treatment has finished. It’s particularly important that people with a history of cancer to follow these top tips to reduce their risk of skin cancers.

Photo: Plot holders at Paddock Allotments and Leisure Gardens, London which opens for the National Garden Scheme on 22 June © Benjamin Mole

For more on our 40 years of partnership with Macmillan CLICK HERE