Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey are pleased to launch their sun awareness campaign – providing islanders a greater knowledge around skin cancers, the steps we should take to reduce risk of these cancers, and knowledge regarding signs and symptoms.

Protect Your Skin, Reduce Your Risk: Be Sun Safe!

Skin cancer can be a serious disease and in some cases may be preventable. By taking simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk. Here are some important measures you can incorporate into your daily routine:

Seek Shade: When the sun is strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek shade whenever possible. This will limit your exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Cover Up: Wear protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun's rays. Opt for wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers to minimise exposure.

1. Slather on Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming.

1. Say No to Tanning: Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. They emit harmful UV radiation and increase your risk of skin cancer.

1. Perform Self-Exams: Regularly examine your skin for any changes. Look out for new moles or growths, changes in existing moles, or any suspicious skin abnormalities. If you notice anything unusual, consult your GP or a dermatology professional.

1. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about skin cancer risks, prevention strategies, and early detection. Stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations from trusted sources.

In 2021, Macmillan Jersey received a sum of monies from the now disbanded Donna Annand charity. The charity chose Macmillan Jersey to receive the monies due to our previous collaborations at a number of events including mole clinics.

This money was put aside to concentrate on projects we felt would continue the aspirations of the Donna Annand charity – and provide islanders with education or services that are now unavailable. We are acutely aware of the positive impact the Donna Annand charity had on islanders – and would like to thank them for their 10 years helping people in Jersey.

In July 2023, Macmillan Jersey will be piloting and providing 13 suncream stations around Jersey.

They will dispense factor 50 suncream for free, for anyone in Jersey or visiting our island to use. These stations will be maintained and topped up by volunteers, and we hope the public will benefit from these.

As a charity – Macmillan Jersey receives no funding from Macmillan UK nor the Government of Jersey, and monies from this pilot come directly from the amount the Donna Annand charity left ourselves.

Below – you can find a map showing where the various stations are around our island.