With the summer upon us (sorry to tempt fate) and daylight extending way into the evening, the dangers of burned and over-exposed skin have come to the fore once again. Numerous sponsors (Fat Face, Gill, Liz Earle, Neilson Active Holidays and Ullman Sails Eyewear) have joined in, promising to donate profits from sales of hats and UV protected clothing through to sun cream and sunglasses.

With over 75,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year, skin cancer is 99% curable if caught early enough, however prevention is far preferable.

Sail 4 Cancer Chair of Trustees Graham Precey comments, “An understanding of skin cancer prevention is crucial, especially amongst sailors and other watersports enthusiasts.”

The charity sought medical guidance from the Dermatology Department at Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust. “It is well documented that accumulative sun damage can result in the formations of skin cancer. A few simple precautions can minimise the risk? remember a suntan is not sexy, it often heralds the formation of thickened and wrinkly skin!” advises Denise Hancock, Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist Skin Cancer at the hospital.

For more information about Keep it in the Dark please see the website at www.keepitinthedark.com or www.sail4cancer.org or call 0845 408 1849.