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<p>SunSmart is a national skin cancer prevention campaign run by Cancer Research UK
for which the Department provided £150,500 between 2012-13 and 2013-4. This included
a social media campaign, Made in the Shade, which aimed to reduce sunburn by encouraging
young people to protect themselves from the sun. Launched at The Wireless Festival,
the campaign encouraged 16-24 year-olds to spend more time in the shade when the sun
is strong.</p><p>In addition, between 2010-11 and 2013-14 the Department provided
Cancer Research UK with £459,000 to test innovative approaches to influence young
people to take action to prevent melanoma and help men from lower socio-economic groups
report early stage melanoma. This included the R UV Ugly campaign, to raise awareness
of the dangers of sunbeds and the benefits of skin checks in young women. The Department
also funded Cancer Research UK to produce a primary care skin cancer recognition toolkit
and to run a sun protection tracking survey to continue to measure awareness of skin
cancer and the risks in the general public.</p><p>We know that using sunbeds significantly
raises the risk of skin cancer, particularly in younger people. Laws are in place
to prevent under 18s from using sunbeds in commercial premises and businesses can
be fined up to £20,000 for not complying. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing
this.</p><p>Public Health England ran a local <em>Be Clear on Cancer</em> pilot campaign
in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset from 16 June to 27 July 2014 to raise awareness of
the signs of skin cancer. The campaign was aimed at people over the age of 50 and
the key message was “A change to a mole isn’t the only sign of skin cancer. If you
notice any persistent or unusual changes to your skin, tell your doctor”. The campaign
leaflet also informed people how to avoid sunburn and reduce their chances of getting
skin cancer.</p><p>This pilot was tested on a small, local scale first (using local
radio, press, and outdoor advertising) to ensure that campaign messages are correct
for the target audience and to assess the impact on National Health Service services.
The results of the pilot are due in the coming months and will be evaluated before
a decision is taken on whether the campaign will be extended to a wider, regional
test.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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