Quiz: what's your skin cancer IQ?

Prima online 24.06.2009

Before you lie out in the sun, test your knowledge

Decide whether you think the answer is true or false, and when you've finished, scroll down to see if you're right.

1 Malignant melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer.
TRUE/FALSE

2 A dark mole can be a sign of cancer.

TRUE/FALSE

3 Sunbeds are a safer tanning option.

TRUE/FALSE

4 Some people have a higher risk of skin cancer than others.

TRUE/FALSE

5 Eye colour influences your risk of sunburn.

TRUE/FALSE

6 Sun cream goes off - so you ought to throw away last year's bottle.

TRUE/FALSE

7 You get a safer lotion when you pay more.

TRUE/FALSE

8 It's safe to stay in the sun for ten minutes without protection.
TRUE/FALSE

1 FALSE About 9,000 people a year in the UK will be diagnosed with malignant melanoma, which starts as a mole and claims about 1,800 lives a year. But the most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Also triggered by sun exposure, it starts with a small red or pink shiny
lump and accounts for four in five skin cancers (about 60,000 in all). It rarely kills but should still be taken seriously.

2 FALSE An uneven colour with more than one shade is more ominous than an all-over dark mole. When checking moles, use the ABCDE rule. The following should all prompt a check-up: A = asymmetry: the two halves of the mole don't look the same. B = border: the edges of the mole are irregular, blurred or jagged. C = colour: uneven colour is a concern. D = diameter: is it at least 6mm across? E = evolution: the mole changes. You should also see a doctor if you have a new spot that won't heal, a spot or mole that itches and hurts, or one that bleeds or forms a crust or scab. If you're fair skinned with lots of moles and
freckles, have your skin checked regularly.

3 FALSE The intensity of a sunbed's UV rays can be 15 times stronger than the midday sun, and using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases your risk of skin cancer by 75 per cent.

4 TRUE You're at greatest risk if you're fair skinned, with fair hair and
lots of moles and freckles, or if you have a family history of skin cancer.

5 TRUE Blue or green eyes, with fair or red hair, confer the most risk, dark brown eyes and hair the least.

6 TRUE AND FALSE Suncreams do go off - but most have a two- to three-year shelf life, so check the expiry date. Don't store in a hot place as heat may destroy the protective chemicals.

7 FALSE Whatever the brand, the protection will be the same if you select the recommended SPF15 (offering 90 per cent protection against UVB rays) with an additional star rating of four (for maximum additional protection against UVA rays). A higher SPF will cost more, but will offer only marginally more protection. Choose a water-resistant formula and reapply regularly. Even if you use a once-a-day application (eg Parasol or P20) you should still top it up, in case you missed any areas.

8 FALSE The time it takes skin to burn depends on skin type, and the intensity of the sun. But, on average, skin will start to burn after 10 minutes of exposure without protection. SPF15 lets you stay in the sun 15 times longer before you burn, but you should still avoid the sun's
harshest rays between 11am and 3pm. Experts also recommend sitting in the shade and wearing protective clothing. Visit www.info.cancerresearchuk.org

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