Transcript of the SunSmart summary film

Alan: When I first heard of skin cancer years ago, I just thought it’s a blemish on your skin and you just get it taken off at the local surgery.

Justine: I was never ever going to get skin cancer, it wasn’t going to happen to me, it doesn’t happen to me.

More than 9,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK

Sara: I don’t think people realise that people do die from skin cancer because you don’t hear about it.

Over 1,800 people die from melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK

Alan: I used to get burnt when I was a little child going to the local beach. Any weekend when it was sunny I was straight in the garden or down to the beach. I never put any sunscreen on, I just laid there and got burnt.

Getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma

Sara: I started using the sunbeds when I was seventeen because I joined a gym, and they were just there so I’d go on them to have a tan for when I was going out. I used to fall asleep on them.

Justine: My sunbeds habit started when I was fifteen, when I was obsessed with being brown and having a tan. I’d go on my two weeks holiday and then I’d probably come home and keep my tan up for another 3 months and then go on another holiday. So it was a continual cycle, until I was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Sara: I wish I’d known the dangers, when I was seventeen, of sunbeds.

Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by up to 75%

Justine: Years ago I’d just lie there and bake – I wouldn’t even dream of doing it now. Even sitting in the garden when we get a bit of sunshine here, I sit under the umbrella.

Most skin cancer cases could be prevented by avoiding overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and sunbeds

Use shade, clothing and SPF 15+ sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn at home and abroad

Alan: If they hadn’t caught it, the scenario was I wouldn’t be here now.

Finding skin cancer early saves lives

Alan: You must keep a check of any lump or bumps, or any discolouration of moles, or even skin, just be aware.

Look out for moles or patches of skin that change in size, shape or colour

Justine: Like me, you can leave it and it’ll be too late. Get anything checked out.

If you are concerned about skin changes then visit your doctor without delay

Find out more about the signs of skin cancer and how to reduce your risk – www.sunsmart.org.uk (The SunSmart campaign is funded by the UK Health Departments)