Raconteur in The Times: Skin Cancer Myths
Raconteur in The Times debunked 7 myths about skin cancer with expert advice from Dr Ross Perry on the fact and fiction of sun exposure.
The feature opened:
“With something as life-threatening as skin cancer, widespread misconceptions and knowledge gaps must be quashed to keep people safe in the sun”
Myth 1 –
“Skin Cancer Isn’t That Serious”
The feature explains:
“In a survey of 5,000 people by the British Skin Foundation, 36 per cent did not realise that skin cancer could be fatal, while 56 per cent did not know malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, could spread to other parts of the body.
“The reality makes stark reading. New figures from Cancer Research UK reveal that melanoma incidence rates have soared by 45 per cent in the last 15 years.”
Skin cancer is one of the fastest rising malignancies in the UK and 7 people die every day from the disease. It should never be considered lightly.
Myth 3
“My kids don’t need suncream; a cotton T-shirt in the sea or pool is fine”
Many think that clothing is good protection against the sun, but as the feature explains, a wet T-shirt isn’t enough – especially with children who have thinner skin and are more vulnerable to UV damage.
Boots scientific suncare adviser Clare O’Connor said:
“Wet fabric doesn’t maintain the same protection as dry fabric.
“Think of a white T-shirt; once it’s wet, it’s practically translucent. Apart from this, the arms, legs and face are still exposed and would need protecting.”
Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director and Founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, told Raconteur that UV sun protective clothing is a good investment, especially for children or those with delicate skin:
“UV swimwear blocks out harmful UV rays by as much as 98%, so gives children the protection they need.
“But you will still need sunscreen on uncovered areas, such as the face, neck, hands, legs and feet.”
Read this article in full
To read more, please visit https://www.raconteur.net/healthcare/skin-cancer-myths.
Dr Ross Perry
Dr Perry is renowned as an expert in mole removal and treatment of a range of other skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.
His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment.
Private Mole Checks & Removal
The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.
Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:
- No waiting lists
- Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
- Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
- Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
- Removed moles tested with histology report provided
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.
