Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
which, as well as being unsightly, is a clear sign that skin cells have been damaged. Over
time, this damage can build up and may ultimately lead to skin cancer.
So while everyone needs some sun in their lives, too much can be harmful. The facts are
worrying - skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of
people who develop it is increasing faster than any other type of common cancer. Every
year over 11,000 people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma - the most lethal type of
skin cancer - and almost 2000 die from the disease. It is diagnosed in a disproportionately
high number of younger people, being the second most common cancer in young adults
(aged 15-34) in the UK.
And as well as causing skin cancer, too much UV can cause premature ageing, making skin
look old and leathery before its time.
But the good news is that most cases of skin cancer can be prevented.
When you're out in the sun, the most important thing is to make sure you don't burn. Get
to know your skin type and how it reacts in the sun. As a general rule, the lighter your skin,
the more careful you should be.
When your risk of burning is high, often during the hottest part of the day, spend time in the
shade, cover up with a T-shirt or a towel and regularly apply plenty of sunscreen (at least
factor 15 - but the higher the better) to protect your skin.
Whatever your skin type the message is simple - don't let sunburn catch you out.
Anyone can develop skin cancer but some people have a higher risk and need to take more
care, including those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn or a fam-
ily or personal history of skin cancer.
SunSmart is the UK's skin cancer awareness campaign, funded by the UK health depart-
ments. To identify your skin type, find out more about skin cancer, how to enjoy the sun
safely, and the dangers of using sunbeds visit
www.sunsmart.org.uk
.
Tick borne encephalitis (TBE)
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes for carrying diseases to humans and immunisation is
recommended for people who intend to walk, camp or work in heavily forested regions of
affected countries between April and October when the ticks are most active. Your doctor
or practice nurse can advise if you should have this immunisation for your travel destina-
tion.
Tick Alert say that TBE is “a viral disease contracted via the bite of an infected tick that is
endemic in 27 countries in Europe. It leads to an annual average of 10,000 cases needing
hospital treatment. Two in every 100 TBE sufferers will die from the disease.”
