New Skin Cancer Campaign

A new skin cancer campaign is launching because of the high rates in East Anglia.

Norfolk has the highest rate of the most dangerous skin cancer called melanoma and Anglia as a region has a higher rate of skin cancer than England as a whole.

There are around 542 cases of Melanoma each year in Anglia, with an average of 11 people dying from it in Suffolk, Norfolk being the highest rates. Skin cancers are most common with a lot of skin exposure and burning. Outdoor workers are out in the sun 400 times more than office workers.

Mr Marc Moncrieff, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, says "To some extent the people who are being diagnosed now are the people who went away on holiday a lot in the 70's and 80's, with little awareness of the harm exposure could cause. There is also risk associated with an active lifestyle, even in retirement, where people are out in the sun a lot, gardening, walking, playing or watching sports. Outdoor workers are also at risk."

Dr Rory Harvey Medical director of the Network, said "These statistics show that Melanoma skin cancer is a real danger in Anglia. Melanoma skin cancer kills, and we want to get the message across that this is a disease which can be prevented and if caught early can be prevented and if caught early can be cured. If you have any doubts at all, see your doctor - a few minutes spent getting yourself checked out now could prevent a life-threatening illness." 

Anglia Cancer Network is sending a team called 'Hit Squads' into areas within Norfolk and East Anglia. There will be eye catching ad vans, chats to passers-by, posters, postcards and stickers to make people more aware of skin cancer and what they can do.