Skcin - The Karen Clifford Skcin Cancer Charity Latest News

Skcin launches MASCED the UK’s first online melanoma and skin cancer education programme with hair, health and health industry

Charity calls for professionals to receive Melanoma and Skin Cancer early detection Education with MASCED accreditation program

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease is now one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds. Experts estimate that by 2024, melanoma will become one of the most common forms of all major cancers. If caught early, there is an excellent chance of survival, yet people often don’t know what to look for and how to spot the early signs and symptoms. 

Skcin, the country’s leading prevention and awareness skin cancer charity, is launching the UK’s first online accreditation aimed at the hair, health and beauty industry. As pioneers in educational intervention, this will be the charity’s fourth national accreditation scheme.

More than a quarter of a million people are employed across the hair, health and beauty industry sector and see clients up-close on a regular basis. These professionals have the opportunity to observe changes that may occur on their clients skin, particularly in areas that clients may not be able to see themselves and this puts them in a powerful position. By taking the time to swot up on skin surveillance and learn how to identify suspicious lesions, these professionals could detect the early signs of skin cancer and advise their client to take action. This could prevent disfigurement through surgery and in the case of spotting melanoma early, save lives.

Launching in January 2018, Skcin is calling for organisations and individuals to register their interest online at WWW.MASCED.UK to take part in the accreditation scheme and receive the easy to access online training.  They will receive FREE information and expert training through the MASCED programme on how to encourage their clients to be skin aware, good skin safety practices, what changes to look for in their client’s skin and referral advice.

Dr.Nyla Cosmetic Dermatology Doctor and founder of Medispa in Wilmslow said: “Therapists are in a privileged position seeing their clients skin close up on a regular basis. I support Skcin and MASCED.UK and know this unique programme can save lives through early detection.”

Toni & Guy in Wilmslow have registered.  Becky Kuk Owner, said: “We are delighted to be part of this innovative programme.  It makes such sense.  Hairdressers are in a perfectly placed to see their clients scalps and to advice on any unusual marks they may see”

Harris & Ross physiotherapists also registered with the programme, Jeff Ross (clinic director) said: “We treat all kinds of injuries and complaints, which means we often work on parts of the body which are difficult to monitor such as backs, necks and shoulders. Being able to refer our patients when we spot something we believe needs attention is a fantastic initiative and one we are so pleased to be involved with.”

Beauty Boutique, in Alderley Edge was one of the first beauticians to register.  Jenny Quarrell and Jenny Lennard, co-owners said “We feel this programme enables us to give our clients the best advice on the overall care for their skin.  This is a welcome extension of the advice we give.”

Claire Dale, Campaign Manager at Skcin said: “I am passionate about early detection and awareness after losing my Mum to this deadly disease. If MASCED had been around when my Mum was visiting her beautician and hairdresser regularly maybe her melanoma could have been detected early. My goal is to make MASCED to be a standard part of training for health and beauty professionals”

Marie Tudor said: “This programme fits with the Government’s 2020 Skin Cancer Vision which looks to make positive steps in combating skin cancer.  One vital issue that has been identified is how to improve the early detection of melanoma.   I believe our MASCED accreditation programme will make a huge difference and is positive addition to our portfolio of existing educational intervention schemes and resources.

To find out more about the programme visit MASCED.UK or contact: claire.dale@skcin.org

About Skcin

Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer Charity set up in 2006 in memory of Karen Clifford.  Dedicated for over 10 years to the prevention and early detection of all types of skin cancer through their bespoke and diverse national accreditation campaigns.

·         Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Britain

·         Melanoma is now one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds.

·         Disproportionate numbers of younger people are affected.

·         Advanced melanoma is very difficult to treat.

·         Early detection of melanoma is vital to improve prognosis

·         In 2016 13,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed in the UK.

·         In 2016 over 2,000 people died of melanoma.

www.masced.co.uk