A new campaign called Be Clear About Cancer has been launched by the North of England Cancer Network to try to encourage more people to go to their GPs if they notice any suspicious symptoms. In the first of a series of articles Health Editor Barry Nelson talks to a skin cancer expert.

SKIN cancer specialist James Langtry has a simple message for readers.

“Know your skin, look after it and if you are in any doubt about what is happening, seek medical advice immediately.”

Sadly, Dr Langtry, a consultant dermatological surgeon and the skin cancer lead at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle is no stranger to patients referred to him with skin cancer.

Rates of skin cancer are increasing faster than any other cancer in the UK with figures doubling every ten to 20 years.

Despite repeated warnings about avoiding sunburn, there are still more than 11,500 cases of malignant melanoma – the most dangerous type of sun cancer – diagnosed every year in the UK.

“Everyone likes sunshine, but people – particularly very fair-skinned people and children – need to be very careful. Above all, you need to avoid burning,” he says.

“You can do nothing about getting older, which is in itself a risk factor for skin cancer; you can do nothing about the genetic make-up you inherit, but you can do something about limiting your exposure to the sun and reducing your chances of developing skin cancer.”

Apart from encouraging everyone to be sensible about exposure to the sun, the Newcastle skin specialist warns people to keep an eye on their skin, particularly if there are any changes.

“It can be something new, or it can be a change in something which already exists. The things you are looking for are changes to the shape, size and colour,” he says.

“Any change in the colour of a mole or some other mark should be reported. Most commonly it is a darkening that you have to look out for, but there are other varieties. It can be lightening as well. For example, if you have a black or dark brown mole which becomes white in part or becomes red, you should seek medical advice.

It doesn’t just have to be black,” the specialist says.

In practical terms everyone should limit their exposure to the sun – but if you do spend longer in the sun, you will need to use a good sunscreen.

“I am sometimes asked whether people should go for the highest factor, but once you get above a factor of 20 to 30, you may not be gaining a lot more by going into the 50s,” he adds.

Dr Langtry recommends a sunscreen that has an SPF above 20 and a good UVA rating, at least four star. “Then it is all about applying sunscreen adequately and ensuring you keep topped up,” he says.

While some people with skin disorders such as psoriasis might find sunbeds beneficial, the consultant dermatologist has a simple message for the rest of us.

“Personally I wouldn’t use them and I wouldn’t want my children to use them. They do pose a risk,” he says.

In a nutshell Dr Langtry urges everyone to be sensible about the sun but if you notice anything suspicious, even in areas not normally exposed to the sun, you should consult your GP. It could save your life.

Take your exercise in bitesize bits

IN the past, official guidelines suggested adults do 30 minutes of physical activity, five or more days a week. However, this somewhat daunting quota has been updated by the Department of Health.

While still suggesting adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, experts says these can now be broken up into sessions of ten minutes or more. And that means easy everyday activities, such as walking the kids to school, or even some energetic housework, all count towards your recommended target.

During these sessions, it’s suggested individuals exercise to a manageable level that increases their heart rate and breathing, in order to improve their fitness.

For those who are more energetic, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, such as using a mower or lane swimming, will fulfill their quota.

It’s hoped the more flexible guidelines will encourage the 60 per cent of adults who aren’t active enough to take more exercise, and thus reap benefits including improved mental health and wellbeing, plus protection against many of the biggest causes of early death, such as heart disease and stroke.

The guidelines are being promoted by the Government’s public health programme Change4Life, which also recommends people reduce ‘‘unproductive sedentary time’’, such as watching TV or playing computer games.