New test to check on Skin Cancer danger

Sun-seekers concerned about the threat of skin cancer can now take a quick test to find out how badly they might have been damaged. The scientific test, whose launch comes as holiday-makers make their plans to top up their tans during warm Christmas breaks, can quickly determine how much damage sunbathers have inflicted on their skin over many years. Numerous campaigns have attempted to inform sun-seekers of the dangers from ultraviolet radiation linked with getting the perfect tan. Despite this, cases of skin cancer continue to rise with more than six thousand new cases of malignant melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, diagnosed in the UK. Rates of skin cancer are going up rapidly among teenagers and young adults, with cases doubling in the last twenty years. Only last month the increased use of sunbeds and beach holidays were blamed for skin cancer becoming more common. The new test, called Skin-physical, draws on work by skin cancer experts at Newcastle University, together with Canadian company Genesis Genomics. The Skin-Physical test is being offered via branches of the court house clinics. Patients who opt for the test will give a small sample of their skin from just above the elbow. The sample is sent off for the laboratory tests and the results are used to provide customised sun-safety advice, that is available within a couple of days. The advice the test can provide you with is such as the appropriate sun protection factor and star rating of sun cream patients should use and further advice on how to apply it. It also informs patients about behaviour changes they should make to increase their sun protection and would allow them to enjoy the sun, but to enjoy it more safely.