BAD launches Sun Awareness campaign this month

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) will once again draw attention to skin cancer with its Sun Awareness initiative this month. 

The annual campaign, which includes this month’s Sun Awareness Week, is overseen by BAD’s Skin Cancer Prevention Committee, a body of leading medical professionals with expertise in skin cancer, vitamin D and public health messaging. 

The campaign is two-pronged and combines prevention and detection advice. The first aim is to encourage people to regularly self-examine for skin cancer. The second is to teach people about the dangers of sunburn and excessive tanning, and to discourage people from using sunbeds in light of the associated risks of skin cancer. In addition to public education about the dangers of sunbed use, the BAD has also been involved in campaigning for legislation to regulate the sunbed industry and is continuing to push towards further and improved regulation. 

This year’s Sun Awareness Week will be held from May 6-12.