A BUILDERS merchant in Bournemouth has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness about skin cancer among men.

Staff at the Gibbs and Dandy store on Elliot Road will be providing free skin cancer information during the British Association of Dermatologist's Sun Awareness Week, which starts on May 4.

Macmillan Cancer Support says skin cancer diagnosis rates are rising faster than any of the current top ten cancers in the UK and that men, particularly those who work outdoors like builders and construction workers, are at even greater risk of developing the disease.

And, according to the charity, within a five mile radius of the store, between 10 and 20 men are living with skin cancer, which is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

With a largely male workforce and a predominantly male supplier and customer base, Gibbs and Dandy was deemed the "perfect place" to support Macmillan help raise awareness amongst this hard to reach audience.

Carol Goodman, Macmillan Skin Cancer clinical nurse specialist, said: “Skin cancer is often overlooked in comparison to other cancers, but the numbers of people being diagnosed have risen fivefold since the 1970s.

"We need to encourage more men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, so we’re particularly thrilled to have the support from Gibbs and Dandy to help us reach a particularly hard to reach group about this important issue. "

James Ellis, marketing manager at Gibbs and Dandy, said: “It is shocking that the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer is on the rise.

"We hope that by working with Macmillan to raise awareness this Sun Awareness Week, we can help empower and educate our male customers to take control of their health and seek medical help sooner.”

To pick up a leaflet with more information about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, drop into the store on Elliot Road.

Anyone affected by skin cancer can find information and support at macmillan.org.uk/sunaware or by calling the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.