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Public health consultant urges you to stay safe while having fun in the sun
With high temperatures now upon us and a heatwave expected in many parts of the UK, especially in the East of England, it is important that everyone knows how to keep themselves safe, and the risks involved if they don’t. West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust public health consultant, Dr James Mapstone, gives helpful tips on how to enjoy the sunshine safely, and outlines through his own story, the consequences of not protecting your skin.
Dr James Mapstone said: “With very warm weather expected to continue, it is crucial that we take five easy steps to stay safe: drink plenty of fluids – between six to eight cups a day; seek shade during peak times; wear loose, light clothing; keep the areas you’re staying in as cool as possible, which can include closing the curtains and windows until temperatures cool; and checking in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. Taking these precautions can prevent unnecessary cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and make experiencing this heat much more comfortable.
“While high temperatures may not be as much of a concern for most of our communities, those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions are at much greater risk. Therefore, if you have friends, family or neighbours that are more vulnerable, it is important that you check in on them and make sure they are aware of the weather and are following the correct advice.”
There are simple things we can all do to protect our skin health through the summer by limiting our exposure to harmful levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Over exposure to UV can lead to a greater risk of developing melanoma skin cancer, which has seen a rise in cases in recent years. On average between 2017 and 2019, there were more than 17,500 diagnoses of melanoma skin cancer in England each year, which has been attributed to increased exposure during activities such as tanning and international travel, as well as an aging population.
On how everyone can take easy steps to protect their skin health, Dr James Mapstone, said: “When the sun is shining, we all want to get outside and enjoy the weather, however, it is so important that we take care of our skin health while we’re doing this.
“To best protect ourselves from harmful UV exposure, we should try to avoid the sun when it’s at its strongest – between 11am and 3pm – and cover up by wearing a hat and sunglasses. We should also make sure we’re using sun protection with an SPF of 30 or above and avoid using tanning beds.”
Dr Mapstone was diagnosed with a melanoma in Spring 2024. He said: “I discovered a discoloured patch of skin on the back of my thigh which had been itchy for some time. I quickly booked an appointment with my GP, who referred me to the West Suffolk Hospital, where it was removed which confirmed my diagnosis. Thankfully, it was caught early, meaning that a simple 30-minute treatment removed the cancerous area.
“If there is anyone who has noticed they have an irregular shaped patch of skin, a mole or a lump which itches or is prone to bleeding, I strongly encourage them to see their GP at the earliest opportunity. The more quickly it is treated, the better the outcome.”
Speaking about skin cancer rates, cancer nurse specialist, Claire Birch, said: “Unfortunately an accumulation of UV damage over the years gives you a high risk of developing a skin cancer.
“We see particularly high levels of skin cancer in Suffolk due to an aging population, our sunny climate and high volumes of outdoor workers. Adding regular foreign holidays and any time spent living abroad also increases your risk.
“At the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust alone, 425 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2024/25, which is a preventable disease. Therefore, it is vital that we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves, such as reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. If anyone suspects they may have skin cancer, please see your GP as soon as possible.”
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