SANDRA SENDS BURNING MESSAGE TO HAMPSHIRE YOUNGSTERS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Jun 2008

City and County MP Sandra Gidley today warned of the dangers of skin cancer, and urged local youngsters to learn more about sun safety, after figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats revealed skin cancer diagnoses have risen by 26% since 2001, while the Labour Government has slashed funding for skin cancer awareness by a third. In addition, the figures show hospital admissions for sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration have also risen sharply.

The figures, released in parliamentary answers reveal that:

· Diagnoses of skin cancer rose by 26% from 2001-5

· The budget for skin cancer awareness has been cut by one third in the last year

· The number of people admitted to hospital with sunburn has more than trebled since 2003

· The number of people admitted to hospital for heatstroke has risen by eight times since 2003

· The number of children admitted to hospital for dehydration has doubled since 2003

This week Sandra has teamed up with Cancer Research UK, attending a "Molewatch Clinic" in Westminster to highlight the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Promoting their skin cancer awareness campaign, SunSmart, Cancer Research UK warns that getting sunburn can lead to developing the most dangerous form of skin cancer - malignant melanoma. This is now the most common cancer in young adults aged between 15 and 34, and rates have significantly increased in the last 25 years.

Commenting, Sandra, who is the Liberal Democrat Public Health Spokesperson, said:

"These shocking figures show that skin cancer is fast becoming a key public health priority. There are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia. In many cases people get sunburnt when they are just out and about in the sun and not deliberately sunbathing. It's so easy to get 'caught out'.

"It's vital for young adults and parents to take steps to protect their own skin and that of their children by covering up, spending some time in the shade and using sunscreen. Even minor sunburn causes permanent damage beneath the skin. It's very important to know how to enjoy the sun safely and avoid burning.

"I find it stunning that when faced with such a sharp increase in cases of skin cancer, the Government is actually cutting back on funding strategies that can help prevent the problem. Whilst Cancer Research UK's Molewatch Clinic is doing a great job highlighting the dangers of spending too much time in the sun, the government must do much more if this major public health risk is to be managed effectively."

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign manager, added:

"Whilst cases of skin cancer are on the increase, the majority could be prevented.

"Anyone with concerns about a particular mole, freckle or patch of skin that has changed over a period of weeks or months should ensure they have it checked out immediately by their GP."

Sandra Gidley MP at the Molewatch clinic in Westminster

ENDS