May is Melanoma Awareness Month
This May we want to take the opportunity to bring attention to a cause that’s very close to our hearts – Melanoma Awareness Month.
Melanoma is amongst the top 5 most diagnosed cancers in the UK, and the rate of diagnoses is increasing.
Melanoma Awareness Month is celebrated every May to raise awareness and encourage prevention. Knowing what melanoma is and what to look for is essential for early detection and could save your life.
Why Melanoma Awareness Matters to Us
For the team at Cathedral Hygiene, this is a cause that hits close to home. Cancer is something that can affect anybody, and we believe that raising awareness is incredibly important for early detection and prevention.
As a company, we highly value our employees’ health and wellbeing. Many of our team members spend long hours driving or outdoors, increasing their risk of developing melanoma from the sun. Our employees on the road are vital to our company as we could not provide the services that we do without them.
At Cathedral Hygiene, we care about more than just washrooms. Promoting all aspects of health and wellbeing is something that we are very passionate about. That’s why this May; we will be sharing our advice and guidance on how to reduce the risk of Melanoma and prevent skin cancer.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. The main cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Melanoma is treatable when it is found and treated early – this is why it is essential to know the symptoms and act fast.
The most common signs of melanoma are:
- A new mole or lesion
- A change to an existing mole or lesion
Melanoma Symptoms
ABCDE is an acronym that is commonly used by Melanoma support groups to help people spot the disease in its early stages. The guidance is as follows:
-
1Asymmetry
A lot of melanomas are asymmetrical. This means that one side may look different to the other.
-
2Borders
Check if the edges of the mole are irregular or uneven. Typical moles will usually have well-defined edges.
-
3Colour
Melanomas may be made up of several colours, be different shades of the same colour or an uneven colour.
-
4Diameter
Melanomas are often larger than 6mm, roughly the size of a paperclip. If diagnosed early, they may be smaller.
-
5Evolving
Changes are a key sign. This could be size, shape, colour or elevation, as well as bleeding, itching or crusting.
These are the key signs to remember, however, these symptoms are not a guarantee. Melanoma can present in many different forms, and sometimes there are none of the typical warning signs.
We would recommend contacting your GP is you have any concerns – whether you have one of the ABCDEs or anything that looks at all odd or unusual for you.
As well as knowing the symptoms of melanoma, it is also essential that you know your skin. Everyone’s skin is different and what is normal for someone else, may not be normal for you.
It is recommended that you check your skin on a monthly basis.
You could keep a diary with notes and images of your skin to easily spot any changes. For hard-to-reach areas, stand in front of a full-length mirror or ask a friend to help. And don’t forget those easy to miss places – your underarms, palms, the soles of your feet and your scalp.
Melanoma Risk Factors
The main cause of melanoma is exposure to UV rays from the sun. However, there are factors that can make you more susceptible to melanoma. These include:
-
- Skin that burns easily
If you have frequently suffered from sunburn or have had a large amount of sun exposure in the past, then you are more at risk of developing melanoma. Experiencing more than 5 sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk.
-
- A large number of moles or freckles
People with more than 100 moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma. This does not mean that you will necessarily get melanoma, however, you should be more aware of the symptoms and ensure that you are regularly checking your skin for any changes.
-
- Increasing age
Melanoma is more common in older people, with 30% of people diagnosed being over 75 years old. However, it is not limited to older people. Melanoma is actually one of the most common cancers in women between 20 and 24 years old. Compared to other types of cancers, it is fairly frequent amongst younger peopel as well.
Additional factors that can increase your risk include:
-
- Pale or fair skin
- Family history
- Autoimmune diseases
- HIV
Working Outdoors
As a company we have a lot of staff working out on the roads. From service staff and engineers to sales reps, our employees are frequently exposed to the sun when travelling from business to business. We highly value our employees’ health and safety – we couldn’t provide the excellent service that we do without them! This is why we want to spread the message about staying safe in the sun. This advice is even more important for employees that are working outdoors continously, such as the construction and agricultural industries.
It is estimated that roughly 1.6 billion people around the world are exposed to high levels of UV radiation while working. This equates to around 28% of the working age population. Although sunburn may be temporary, damage from sun exposure is cumulative. This means that if you work long hours outdoors, it is essential to protect your skin to avoid damage over time.
Sun Exposure Whilst Driving
One of the main risks of excessive sun exposure for our employees is driving. At Cathedral Hygiene, we have over 150 service staff and engineers driving every day. They provide an essential service to other businesses, disposing of sanitary waste and keeping their washrooms hygienic. As well as this, we have around 40 sales representatives working on the road, visiting new and existing customers.
There is a common misconception that you are safe from sun exposure when in a car. Whilst windshields block around 90% of UVA radiation, it is not complete protection. Additionally, side windows and sunroofs typically use a glass that is even less effective, only blocking around 50% of UV rays. As a result, sitting near a window for a prolonged period increases your risk of sun damage. Some research has suggested that there are more cases of melanoma on the right side of the body, likely due to exposure when driving – particularly when people drive with their arm out of the window.
The Dangers of Sunbeds
A final risk factor that we’d like to mention is sunbed tanning. People who frequently use tanning beds have a much higher risk of developing melanoma.
The dangers of sunbeds are widely documented and use of them is illegal for under 18-year-olds. They are in the highest category of carcinogen, along with tobacco and asbestos. It has even been suggested that there are more cases of skin cancer that can be traced back to tanning, than there are of lung cancer due to smoking.
Prevention and Sun Safety
So now that you know the basics of what melanoma is, the signs and symptoms, and what could put you at risk – what can you do to protect yourself in the sun?
Here are our top sun safety tips:
✅ Apply sunscreen to all parts of the body – don’t forget those easy to miss areas such as your feet, back, and scalp
You should use sunscreen that is at least SPF 30. Apply it 15 – 30 minutes before going into the sun and then make sure that you reapply every 2 hours. If you are likely to forget, a good tip is to set a reminder on your phone. The recommended amount is 6 – 8 teaspoons for the average adult. Ensure that you cover your skin with a thick and even layer – do not rub it in too much. Make sure that you also check the expiration date on the bottle as expired sunscreen is not effective.
Sunscreen is not just for days on the beach – you should make it a part of your daily routine, especially if you are working outdoors. Remember to apply it even if the weather is cloudy as clouds still allow around 80% of UV rays.
✅ Keep covered up
Always wear long sleeves, long trousers or a skirt, a hat, and sunglasses. Hats with a 3-inch wide brim are best as they protect the head, eyes, and neck. Shirts with a collar are also a good choice for protecting your neck.
Opt for dark or bright colours, and choose a close woven knit when you can. You can test the sun protection of an item of clothing by holding it up to the light. The more light it blocks, the more effective it will be.
✅ Seek shade when you can
In the UK, the sun is at its highest between 11am and 3pm. It is important to avoid too much sun exposure during these times whenever possible.
✅ Keep sun safety essentials easily accessible
Create an emergency kit that includes sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt. Keep these essentials with you whenever you can. A good idea is to store them in your car or a bag that you carry with you.
Sun Safety Tips for Businesses
As a business, you can help your staff stay safe in the sun and reduce their risk of developing melanoma. This is particularly important if you have a lot of staff working outside.
What We’re Doing
At Cathedral Hygiene, we provide our employees with guidance on sun exposure control measures. This includes a sun exposure risk assessment that provides sun safe tips and advice. We are committed to proactively supporting our employees’ health and wellbeing. As part of this, we are currently working on implementing a policy to advise staff on staying safe whilst driving in the sun.
✅ Consider including sun safety in your risk assessments
Evaluating the risk of sun exposure to outdoor workers is a great first step in protecting your employees. It’s a proactive approach to help minimise the potential risks.
✅ Encourage regular breaks, particularly when the sun is high
Encourage workers to take breaks in the shade rather than staying out in the sun. This is particularly important around lunchtime when the sun is at its hottest.
✅ Encourage workers to stay hydrated
Keeping well hydrated is essential when working in the sun. Encourage your workers to drink water regularly, and ensure they have the necessary facilities to access water as well.
✅ Promote sun safety in vehicles
Ensure that your workers know how to stay safe in their vehicles, as well as outdoors. Promote sun safety tips for driving and encourage workers to park vehicles in shaded areas when possible.
✅ Promote awareness for skin cancer internally within your company
Make sure that your workers understand the signs, symptoms, and prevention tips for melanoma skin cancer. You can share information internally and include it in training courses or health and safety notices. Remember, awareness is key to early detection.
Help and Support
If you have any concerns about melanoma, we encourage you to contact your GP as soon as possible.
This May, take a moment to check your skin – it could save your life.
Below are some links to additional information and support: