SUNAK WARNED MELANOMA CASES WILL INCREASE WITHOUT GOVERNMENT ACTION

 

 

Skcin are proud to support SNP MP Amy Callaghan with her on-going VAT Burn Campaign as she warns that cases of melanoma skin cancer will continue on an “upwards trajectory” if the UK government fails to remove VAT on sunscreen products. 

 

Continuing her sun safety public-awareness campaign today (Tuesday, 28 November), Amy Callaghan MP – a skin cancer survivor – has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to make high-factor sunscreen more accessible. 

 

Ms Callaghan has said cases of melanoma have more than doubled in the last twenty-five years, with 17,000 new cases and 2,300 deaths each year. 

 

In the letter, organised by the MP for East Dunbartonshire, the signatories pointed to research showing 67% of people would use sunscreen more if it was 20% cheaper. 

 

They also rebutted claims by the UK Treasury that sunscreen is already available on prescription for people with certain medical conditions, arguing that this provision is “extremely limited” and “does not include melanoma patients”.

 

It is estimated that the treatment of skin cancer costs the NHS more than £500 million a year across the UK, while the cost of removing VAT from sunscreen could be as little as £60 million. 

  

Commenting, Amy Callaghan MP said:

 

“With every day the UK government refuses to act, more people are diagnosed with melanoma. 

 

“It is now one of the most lethal cancers for people aged between 15 and 34, and the number of cases are expected to hit almost 20,000 by 2025.

 

“I know first-hand how devastating it is to receive a melanoma diagnosis, and it’s even more tragic because this horrific disease is almost entirely preventable by staying safe in the sun.

 

“But we know from polling that most people think sunscreen is too expensive, and they would use it more if it was cheaper.

 

“That is why everyone who has signed this letter is calling on the UK government to remove VAT from sunscreen, and to launch a public-awareness campaign like Australia’s successful ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’. 

 

“With treasury ministers refusing to even entertain the idea, it’s time for the Prime Minister to step in and do the right thing, make sunscreen exempt from VAT, and ultimately save lives.”

 

Marie Tudor, CEO, SKCIN commented:

 

“SKCIN fully support Amy Callaghan’s VAT Burn campaign and as a charity that represents all skin cancers, we believe it’s important that Government also recognises the impact of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Over 250,000 cases of NMSC are diagnosed annually, affecting almost a quarter of the UK population in their lifetime. Collectively, skin cancer is more commonly diagnosed than all other malignancies combined and this not only accounts for a significant proportion of the estimated cost, but due to the sheer volume of cases, it places a huge resourcing burden on the NHS. 

 

As cases continue to rise to epidemic proportions, it is evident that urgent action is required to tackle this major public health concern and making sunscreen more affordable is a step in the right direction. However, as specialists in this field, it is vital this step is backed by educational intervention - to not only evoke behavioural change, but to improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis.”

 

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

‘Skin cancer: the problems and facts’ - https://www.skcin.org/skinCancerInformation/theProblemAndFacts.htm

‘Concerns that cost of sunscreen is increasing skin cancer risk’ - https://melanomafocus.org/news-blog/concerns-that-cost-of-sunscreen-is-increasing-skin-cancer-risk/

‘Market value of sun preparations in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022’ - https://www.statista.com/statistics/474683/market-value-sun-care-products-great-britain-uk/#:~:text=As%20of%20December%202022%2C%20the,increase%20on%20the%20previous%20year

Amy Callaghan MP campaign can be viewed here.

SKCIN AND NEW COLLEGE LANARKSIRE - WORKING IN COLLABORATION TO HELP COMBAT THE RISISNG INCIDENCE OF SKIN CANCER IN SCOTLAND

SKCIN are delighted to highlight a positive initiative by New College Lanarkshire in Motherwell. The college is supporting the charity’s work through a powerful collaboration that aims to help combat the rising incidence of skin cancer in Scotland. 

 

The Department of Beauty, Aesthetics and Hair design, New College Lanarkshire has shown its commitment to SKCIN by funding over 100 training courses for their students and staff across three sites. Staff and students from the college have been undertaking SKCIN's MASCED (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection) training programme - developed by the charity to harness the power of hair, health and beauty industry professionals in their unique capacity to provide trusted advice and signposting. 

 

The bespoke programme teaches professionals working across and entering these industries how to spot the early signs of pre-cancerous skin lesions, non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma on their client’s skin and how to confidently signpost clients with concerns - aiding in the prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer, which is key to combatting the disease and saving lives. 

 

SKCIN developed the training in 2017 after becoming increasingly aware of the gap in education of the topic and identifying the immense impact that could be made by educating this vast and hugely influential sector. 

 

Skin Cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer with recent figures highlighting that 1 in 4 males and 1 in 5 females will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Yet, 90% of cases are preventable and if detected, diagnosed early – almost all cases are treatable or curable. 

 

Professionals either working in or entering the hair, health and beauty industry sectors are all perfectly placed to undertake skin cancer surveillance and provide professional advice as part of their everyday engagement with clients - helping to combat these statistics head on. 

 

Since its official launch the MASCED training programme has received over 19,000 registrations and fully accredited over 10,000 professionals across the UK and worldwide. The training has been reviewed by professional dermatologists, is CPD accredited by Habia (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority) and is supported by many key industry bodies such as; BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapists and Cosmetologists); NHBF (National Hair and Beauty Federation); the BBC (British Beauty Council); FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists) who recognise the importance of the training programme and the value it adds to the communities in which professionals operate. 

 

Marie Tudor, CEO of SKCIN commented: 

 

“We are hugely grateful to New College Lanarkshire for taking the initiative to fund this training for staff and students. Their commitment to support this life-saving training needs to be applauded and highlights not only the important role professionals working in this sector have, but how via collaboration we can make significant impact in combatting the rising incidence of skin cancer and saving lives. The early detection of skin cancer is vital to improve patient prognosis, and with so many reports of early detection as a result of this ground-breaking intervention – the training is certainly living up to it’s strap line – ‘Training Eyes to Save Lives’. 

 

In 2024 we aim to expand our partnership with New College Lanarkshire to deliver a number of initiatives including their staff becoming Ambassadors for the charity with the mission to engage more educational settings to follow this fantastic lead.” 

 

 

Jane Crowe, NCL Head of Department Beauty, Aesthetics and Hair Design said: 

 

“The MASCED accreditation course has been extremely informative for both staff and students. It's crucial to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify potential signs of skin cancer. This training, not only enhances professional expertise but also empowers staff and student to make a difference in people's lives by promoting early detection and encourage their clients to seek medical attention. 

 

We look forward to expanding our partnership and working in collaboration with MASCED. As Ambassadors we will have the privilege in helping create a strong network of informed professional who can contribute to early detection, raising awareness and encouraging others to follow suit.”

Sanofi become the UK’s first ‘Skin Cancer SOS’ Accredited Partner of specialist awareness charity Skcin

Innovative, global healthcare company Sanofi are officially the UK’s first employer to become a Skin Cancer SOS Accredited Partner - with the roll out of a workplace-sponsored, disease prevention and health promotion programme, dedicated to the prevention and early detection of skin cancer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting a call to action from the UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity Skcin, for businesses and organisations to help tackle a major public health concern, Sanofi are implementing a series of initiatives developed by the charity to promote skin health and surveillance among their employee community.

 

Employees will be educated on the prevalence, causes and risk factors relating to skin cancer in addition to ways in which they can reduce their risk and check their skin for the early warning signs. To further support employees, Sanofi are also rolling out the first white label version of the Skcin App.

 

Developed by Skcin, the app provides employees with comprehensive, educational and self-management tools to empower and support them in taking charge of their skin health, helping them to reduce their risk of skin cancer and promote early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

 

“We’re delighted to become the UK’s first Skin Cancer SOS Accredited workplace, in partnership with Skcin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise, so there’s a real need to help educate people on prevention and early detection,” said Jessamy Baird, Managing Director, Sanofi UK & Ireland. “The health and wellbeing of our employees is of paramount importance to us and we’re proud to offer the Skcin App to help them look after their skin health.”

 

Marie Tudor, CEO of Skcin said: “We are delighted to welcome onboard Sanofi as our first UK accredited partner. Modifiable health risks that lead to disease can be significantly decreased through workplace-sponsored, health promotion and disease prevention programmes. As such, our Skin Cancer SOS Accreditation Programme aims to support and recognise the valuable contribution businesses and organisations, both large and small can make in helping to combat the soaring rates of skin cancer - locally, nationally and globally”.

 

 

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Skin cancer statistics in the UK.

 

• 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is skin cancer - it is the most common cancer in the UK and worldwide.

• 1 in 4 males and 1 in 5 females will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer.

• Over 210,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually, with cases expected to reach 400,000 annually by 2025.

• Over 16,000 cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) are diagnosed annually and the incidence in Britain has risen faster than any other common cancer.

• 1 in 36 males and 1 in 47 females will be diagnosed with melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and it is now one of the biggest killing cancers in young adults (aged 15-34).

 

 

Skcin; The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity:

 

Skcin are the UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity, dedicated to the prevention and early detection of skin cancer through educational intervention for public benefit. Skcin’s mission is to combat statistics head on and save lives by preventing skin cancer for future generations, improving patient outcomes through early diagnosis and relieving the significant burden of skin cancer on the NHS.

 

For further information contact: marie.tudor@skcin.org

SKCIN are delighted to appoint Founder of The Safety in Beauty Campaign, Antonia Mariconda as a charity Ambassador.

 Antonia, who is a passionate activist and campaigner of raising awareness for accessing safe beauty and aesthetic procedures, is also a recovered victim of melanoma. Diagnosed in her late 20’s after years of sunbed tanning abuse, she has pledged to support SKCIN by raising awareness within the beauty and aesthetics industry by encouraging professionals and practitioners to undertake SKCIN’s successful online skin cancer surveillance training programme MASCED (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection). The training is a pioneering, accredited course, dedicated to ‘training eyes to save lives’.

 

 

 

With around 90% of all skin cancers preventable and early diagnosis paramount, Antonia says, “Education is vital to combatting the ever increasing rates of skin cancer in the UK. The beauty and aesthetics industry can play a powerful role as they routinely work with skin and by having close, regular observation, they are uniquely placed to detect suspicious lesions - very often in areas clients cannot see themselves”.

 

The MASCED training programme teaches industry professionals how to detect suspicious moles and lesions on the skin and provide trusted advice in signposting to medical professionals for further investigation. So far, the charity have trained in excess of 10,000 industry professionals, having saved many lives as a result of early detection.

 

 

Marie Tudor, CEO of SKCIN, said, “We are honoured to welcome Antonia to the team as an Ambassador of SKCIN. Antonia’s vital, renowned and well respected work in this industry sector is perfectly aligned with our MASCED training programmes, helping us to amplify our message and extend our reach. The beauty and aesthetics industry is vast and expertise vital in helping to navigate partnerships and collaborations to raise the profile of Skcin’s work and award winning training.  We feel very privileged to be working with Antonia and excited by the opportunities that lie ahead”.

 

SKCIN offer two training courses. MASCED, which has been developed for the hair and beauty sector and MASCED PRO - a more in-depth, programme subsequently developed for medical professionals and healthcare practitioners.

 

To join SKCIN’s growing army of industry professionals combatting skin cancer in the UK, you can find out more and register to take part in either training programme at: MASCED.UK

 

 

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Antonia Mariconda is a Beauty and Aesthetics Industry Key Opinion Leader, having founded the Safety in Beauty Campaign and The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards in 2014, she has written four published books and has appeared in national consumer and industry media for her work. Antonia also works extensively as a business strategist for the industry via her award winning consultancy The Cosmedic Coach.

 

www.thecosmediccoach.com

 

 

SKCIN are the UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity dedicated to the prevention and early detection of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer through educational intervention for public benefit. Formed by the family of Karen Clifford (the ‘KC’ in SKCIN) who sadly passed from melanoma in 2005, SKCIN’s mission is to save lives and unnecessary suffering by preventing skin cancer for our future generations, improving prognosis through early detection and reducing the significant burden skin cancer places on the NHS.

 

Contact Marie.tudor@skcin.org

SKCIN receives industry recognition as a ‘WINNER’ at the 2021 Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards.

 

SKCIN are delighted to have attended the prestigious event that took place on Saturday 4th December at the Royal Lancaster, London - receiving The Founders Choice & Committee Award that celebrates and acknowledges those that have contributed in outstanding ways to community projects, campaigns and charitable endeavours.

 

 

 

As shortlisted finalists in the category of ‘Inspirational Person of the Year’ Award, SKCIN were proud to also receive this special award in recognition of our dedicated work within the beauty, aesthetics and spa industry ‘training eyes to save lives’ with our MASCED (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection) training programme.

 

Attended by SKCIN’s CEO Marie Tudor and Ambassador Annette Matthews, the glamorous, red carpet event hosted by Antonia Mariconda and the Diamonds Awards team welcomed over 600 guests with a united belief in raising industry standards.

 

The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards are dedicated to recognising and paying special tribute to the many outstanding businesses, professionals, brands and service providers in the beauty and aesthetics industry. The awards highlight those going the extra mile in dedication and excellence and those in pursuit of the highest standards of safety in an industry frustratingly tainted by the rogue minority.

 

Marie Tudor, CEO Skcin said: “It was a fantastic evening of first class entertainment and an absolute pleasure feel part of the Safety in Beauty campaign by taking home an award that recognises our commitment to raising awareness of skin cancer prevention and early detection across the beauty industry”.

 

“I’d like to thank our special Ambassador Annette Matthews for her continued support and to all the team at SKCIN who’s commitment to the development of our unique MASCED training has made such an impact in the beauty industry nationwide.”

 

Skcin’s MASCED (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection) training programme, harnesses the power of beauty industry professionals who are uniquely placed to detect the early signs of skin cancer on their client’s / patient’s skin and provide trusted advice and signposting.

 

This intervention can prevent disfigurement through surgery and in the case of detecting melanoma early - save lives.

 

To date Skcin have trained over 10,000 industry professionals who are providing a potentially life-saving, free service to well over 1 million client’s / patient’s nationwide.

 

To find out more about the training and register to take part visit: MASCED.UK

 

UK CHARITY SKCIN ARE DELIGHTED TO INTRODUCE A GAME-CHANGER IN SKIN CANCER AWARENESS WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE SKCIN MOBILE APP.

The UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity Skcin are delighted to announce the launch of their mobile application - a FREE comprehensive, educational and self-management tool which is set to become a game-changer in skin cancer awareness, prevention and early detection.

 

 

Skcin became increasingly aware throughout the Covid-19 pandemic of the need to develop, grow and adapt their services to meet the emerging needs of beneficiaries and take advantage of the evident digital and mobile health revolution.

In response to this, Skcin have developed a comprehensive, educational and self-management mobile application with the mission to drive skin cancer awareness into the hands and hearts of communities locally, nationally and potentially globally - empowering people of all skin types to take charge of their skin health and surveillance.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is not just the UK’s, but the world’s most common cancer and the incidence of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) is rising at epidemic proportions. Yet 90% of cases are preventable!

Ignorance regarding how to spot the early signs and symptoms of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer remains widespread amongst individuals and across professional capacities. Yet it is the only cancer we can physically see developing in it’s early stages - and early detection saves lives.

The charity has a wealth of knowledge and experience in educational intervention, combined with a unique and forward thinking approach to tackling this major public health concern. Alongside their suite of five national accreditation programmes that work with: primary and pre-schools, employers of outdoor workers, the hair, health and beauty industry and Allied Healthcare Professionals - the App will not only support these initiatives, but revolutionise the way in which skin cancer awareness is accessed and delivered on a national scale.

The first phase launch of the app provides six key features to empower users to learn more and take charge of their skin health and surveillance as follows:

PREVENTION: Educates users about the facts and risks associated with ultraviolet radiation (UVR), how it affects our skin and how to enjoy the sun safely and prevent skin cancer by adopting simple sun safe strategies.

UV FORECAST: Provides users with instant access to the current UV Index and a 2 day, hour by hour UV forecast for any location across the globe. It also provides users with sun protection advice based on UV levels and the ability to activate SMS alerts to let them know when the UV Index reaches 3, when it reaches it’s daily peak, in addition to 2 hourly sunscreen reminders.

RISK ASSESSOR: Provides users with rationale and advice with regards to their personal risk for the development of skin cancer based on a series of questions relating to their: age, skin type, history of sun exposure, lifestyle, medical conditions, family history of skin cancer as well as their sun protection habits. Multiple risk assessments can be generated to help users understand and assess the level of risk for family members.

EARLY DETECTION: Educates users about the various forms of precancerous skin lesions, non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma skin cancers with photographs of lesions and moles and detailed guidance on how to spot the early warning signs.

SKIN CHECKING: Provides users with a five-step guide to conducting thorough, full-body self examinations with the ability to set monthly reminders for when their next examinations are due.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS: Educates users on how to take action with concerns, how to ensure they receive appropriate action from a qualified healthcare practitioner and provides overviews on diagnosis, staging and treatment for the various types of skin cancer.

Phase two of the app that will launch next May will see further additions including a lesion tracking service that will allow users to track changes to lesions and moles using close up photography.

To support the roll-out of the mobile application, Skcin are simultaneously developing their 6th national accreditation programme that draws on their wealth of experience working with businesses and organisations to deliver educational intervention to their employee, member and client communities.

Skcin firmly believe that modifiable health risks that lead to disease can be significantly decreased through workplace-sponsored health promotion and disease prevention programmes. As such, the Skin Cancer SOS (Supporter of Skcin) Accreditation programme aims to support and recognise the valuable contribution businesses and organisations, both large and small can make in helping to combat the soaring rates of skin cancer - locally, nationally and globally.

Businesses and organisations can get Skin Cancer SOS Accredited by supporting the charity’s work with a white label version of the Skcin App to deliver across their employee, member, and client communities - aiding Skcin in their mission to place skin cancer prevention and early detection in the hands and hearts of communities on a local, national and potentially global scale.

Marie Tudor, CEO of Skcin says, “Mobile health is a rapidly expanding field in the digital health sector. With the vast majority of the global adult population owning a smartphone and with surveys suggesting that around 87% of the time people spend on their phone is dedicated to apps - what better way to deliver an efficient, cost-effective solution for disease prevention and self-management into the hands of the people we care about. We are incredibly excited by the potential of working with businesses and organisations to support the roll out, reach and engagement off the app across their stakeholder communities. This will enable us to significantly extend the reach of vital and potentially life-saving education, empowering individuals of all skin types, to take charge of their skin health and save lives”.

Skcin are keen to ensure public benefit remains at the forefront of their development work as they continue to dedicate limited funds and resources to creating unique, powerful and sustainable solutions to tackling this global public health concern. The development of the app has been a labour of love during unprecedented times of uncertainty and the charity are grateful for the support of their fundraisers and The David Price Melanoma Trust who have made the build of the app possible.


The Skcin App is free and available to install on your mobile device at: app.skcin.org
In due course the App will be made available on the App Store and Google Play.






ENDS ———————————————————————————————————————————



About Skcin

Skcin is a specialist skin cancer charity,  founded in 2006 in memory of Karen Clifford (the ‘KC’ in Skcin) who lost her courageous battle to melanoma, aged 61.

Skcin set out to fill the mammoth void that existed in the awareness arena and fifteen years on, remain the UK’s leading skin cancer charity dedicated to the prevention and early detection of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Skcin’s core objectives are to raise awareness of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, specifically to promote prevention and early detection through educational intervention for public benefit.

Skcin’s vision is to save lives and combat statistics head on by preventing skin cancer for future generations, improving patient outcomes through early diagnosis and relieving the significant burden of skin cancer on the NHS.

For further information please contact: marie.tudor@skcin.org

Lesley Corridan is MASCED Accredited!

Congratulations to Lesley Corridan for completing the MASCED Accreditation!

“Such an amazing course! Thank you.”

Lesley Corridan would recommend the MASCED Accreditation to other industry professionals and rates the programme 5 stars.