Spot skin cancer early

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who develop it is increasing. Over 2,600 people die from skin cancer each year in the UK. The good news is that if the signs and symptoms of skin cancer are  spotted early, it's easier to treat and the chances of survival are higher.

Helen's story

Helen, from London, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, at the age of 22. She contacted us because she wanted to help more young people aware of the dangers of skin cancer.

As an air hostess, Helen would often sit in the sun when away with work and started using sunbeds in the hope she would have a tan all year round.

 Sunbeds aren’t a safe alternative to tanning outdoors. Like the sun, sunbeds give out harmful UV rays which damage the DNA in our skin cells and can cause  skin cancer.

Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by 75% Watch Helen's video, hear her story and learn why spotting skin cancer early is important.

View a  transcript of Helen's film