LANGUISHING in the sun without protecting your skin this summer could end up killing you.

This is the stark message from skin cancer experts who were raising awareness as part of a national awareness campaign last week.

And Poole Hospital’s Juliet Hately, a skin cancer nurse specialist, was among those highlighting the facts.

She said with the majority of skin cancers caused by excess exposure to the sun it is important to stay vigilant - as the British Association of Dermatologists revealed 40 per cent of people never check their skin for signs of cancer.

“It is predicted by Cancer Research UK that by 2024 malignant melanoma will be the fourth most common cancer for all age groups of men and women,” said Ms Hately.

“It is the second most common cancer among young adults aged 15 to 39. Making sure you protect your skin from burning and tanning as well as carrying out a monthly skin check could save your life.

“The two most important messages for sun protection are don’t get burnt and don’t get a tan.

“People should pay particular attention to moles on their skin and check regularly for any changes in size, colour and shape as well as symptoms such as itching or bleeding, or patches of skin that feel scaly, bleed or develop a crust and which do not heal. Prompt assessment by the GP is crucial for detecting and treating skin cancer.”

She added that more than 12,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma annually in the UK – and 2,000 will die from the disease.

“Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with other types of skin cancer such as Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma,” she said.

“To maintain healthy skin it is key that exposure to the sun is limited. Covering up is the best form of protection, so keep your clothes on, wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses.

“Apply nothing less than factor 30 sun cream with four or five UVA stars. Apply sun cream half an hour before you go out and remember to reapply every two hours, including after swimming. Consider buying a rash vest to wear on the beach and to swim in.

“For those with particularly sensitive skin, for example babies and toddlers, the best advice is to protect them from the sun altogether by covering them up and placing them out of direct sunlight.”