| In the UK, the incidence of a skin cancer | | | | with freckles or moles), family history of |
| (melanoma) has doubled every ten years. | | | | melanoma, routine sun exposure, outdoor activity |
| Although the tan is still felt to be a sign of beauty | | | | sun exposure, outdoor job exposure, mean |
| and health, consider fake rather than indoor | | | | sunscreen use, and number of lifetime painful |
| tanning devices. | | | | sunburns. |
| In 2001, there were 6432 new cases registered in | | | | UK Guidelines: You should see your doctor if |
| England and Wales and last year there were more | | | | a new mole which is growing quickly |
| than 8,900 new cases registered. | | | | a long-standing mole which is changing |
| Indoor tanning devices have been thought to | | | | progressively in shape or colour regardless of age |
| increase the risk for skin cancers and should be | | | | any mole which has three or more colours or |
| avoided. This has been confirmed in multiple | | | | has lost its symmetry |
| studies. It is thought that the device used and the | | | | any new nodule which is growing and is |
| amount of tanning undergone, will contribute to | | | | pigmented or vascular in appearance |
| the risk of skin cancer and that although devices | | | | something growing under a nail |
| may vary in risk, all devices including UVB are not | | | | a mole which has changed in appearance and |
| safe. | | | | which is also itching or bleeding. |
| No device is safe! | | | | There is no national screening programme in the |
| In general, skin cancer (melanoma) risk increased | | | | UK for skin cancers - however you could visit |
| with use, especially in the presence of other risk | | | | your GP/practice nurse for advice and to have a |
| factors such as skin colour (fair skinned especially | | | | quick look at your skin. |