Dorset MP Goes Under the Microscope

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 7th Oct 2003

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset, encouraged colleagues and constituents to get SunSmart when she joined fellow Liberal Democrats going under the microscope at the party's conference in Brighton.

Britain's leading cancer charity, Cancer Research UK, was offering advice and skin checks by top skin cancer specialists in a 'Molewatch' clinic at their stand at the conference. The clinic was available to anyone worried about skin cancer, now the most common cancer in Britain.

Annette Brooke MP said:

"The fact that more Britons die from malignant melanoma than their Australian cousins, despite more cases being diagnosed there, should make us think before we lie out on a beach or head off for a sunbed session.

"The weather may be turning cold but we still need to keep an eye on our skin; I'd encourage everyone to visit their GP if they have any concerns about changes to their skin."

Earlier this year Cancer Research UK launched the SunSmart Campaign, a joint initiative with the Government to raise awareness of skin cancer and its causes. The campaign encourages people to follow simple guidelines to protect themselves in the sun and to be aware of any mole changes or unusual skin growths.

Dr Charlotte Proby, consultant dermatologist supported by Cancer Research UK, said:

"Most forms of skin cancer are preventable and we need the public to be aware of what they can do to help prevent the disease.

"The SunSmart campaign aims to make it second nature to protect yourself in the sun. It is also important for people to be aware of their moles. All moles will change slowly over the years but people should be on the look out for specific changes.

"We aim to make people aware of any unusual skin growths or changes in moles and to have them checked by a doctor. This means where there is disease it is diagnosed early and can be successfully treated."