Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Roundup 03/09/2013

A collection of links to articles relevant to Melanoma and Skin Cancer.

Men more likely to lose battle with skin cancer

MEN are 70% more likely to die from malignant melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer - than women, according to new figures. - Cancer Research UK

Source: Herald Scotland

Red hair gene 'linked to melanoma'

It was always known that fair-skinned red-heads are at greater risk of melanoma, which claims more than 2,000 lives a year in the UK. - US Researchers (Harvard Medical School)

Source: Herald Scotland 

Sun rays in the UK responsible for most recent sunburn cases

Thanks to an unwillingness to apply sun cream in the UK, rays from the British Isles have been responsible for more than a third of most recent sunburn cases.

Source: Female First

Tumour tablet new hope for cancer patients: Daily pill could shrink facial growths

A daily pill could offer new hope to patients with a disfiguring form of skin cancer.

Source: Daily Mail

Ashley Roberts reveals tanning regrets

The blonde star strongly advises people to stay safe in warm temperatures.

“Yes, I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and my mom would put baby oil all over her for hours – she ended up having to have skin cancer removed from her face,” she shared.

Source: Daily Telegraph

Manchester agency provides creative for sunbed awareness campaign

Advertising and brand agency, we are air, is providing creative and copywriting support for a new anti-sunbed campaign launched by Liverpool council, with support from Cancer Research UK, the NHS and self tanning brand, St Moriz.

Source: Manchester Evening News

Skin cancer hidden under tattoos

Malignant melanoma may develop on a preexisting nevus within a tattoo that is being removed with laser therapy, according to a case report published in JAMA Dermatology.

Source: Clinical Advisor

Volunteer at the City of Glasgow International Highland Cattle Show 2013

Melanoma Action and Support Scotland will be in attendance at the City of Glasgow International Highland Cattle Show 2013.

The Cattle Show is taking place on Saturday the 14th of September and MASScot is inviting you to come along and join in the fun as a volunteer. Taking place at Pollok Country Park from 10am until 4pm, there will be a whole host of activities on offer for people of all ages. 

Why should I volunteer with MASScot?

· Feel valued and part of a team

· Spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle

· Gain confidence and self-esteem

· Enhance your CV

· Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience

· Developing existing skills and knowledge

· Improve your employment prospects

· Meeting new people and making new friends

· A chance to socialise

MASScot needs people on hand to help out with facepainting, bucket shaking and distributing advice on general sun safety. MASScot will pay travel and lunch expenses.

If you would like to help out MASScot get in touch at leigh@masscot.org.uk media@masscot.org.uk or phone us on 0773 823 1260

This is the 10th staging of the show at Pollok Country Park breeders will be showing their cattle in 12 classes in what should be the one of biggest show of highlanders in Britain if not the world.

The judge for the day is Mr Robert Phillip: a well respected highland cattle judge of international standing, very knowledgeable of the highland cattle breed.

The cattle will be judged according to age and sex. The judge will select his Female, Male and Junior Champions and then his overall Supreme Champion animal. It is likely that the Championship will be judged some time after 3.00pm with the Grand Parade of winning cattle the final event on the show field.

The event will open at 10am with the Highland Cattle judging starting at 11am

In addition to the Highland Cattle there will be lots going on

At the Events arena opening at 11am -

the world famous sheepdog and duck display team The Drakes of Hazard
Falconry flying displays with the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre
Dog and Duck Display Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window Falconry Flying Display Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window
Children's Entertainment 11am - 3pm with Uncle Billy, clown, balloon modelling and face painting

See the Farrier fitting the Clydesdale with new shoes

Fresh Food Market & Craft Stalls

Glasgow's Buzzing with the Countryside Rangers

Fancy Pigeons

Children's Rides & Inflatable

Come along and meet 'Big Calder' the inflated highland gentleman he'll be around in the afternoon!

Lots for everyone to see and do - an event not to be missed!

Skin Cancer & Men

A recent Cancer Research UK study has revealed that more men are dying from Skin Cancer than women. Despite the numbers of men diagnosed with melanoma or any other Skin Cancer being relatively the same as the amount of women diagnosed, the study reveals that much more men are dying from the disease.

Male incidence rates are now more than five times higher than they were 30 years ago - rising from 2.7 per 100,000 to 17.2 per 100,000.

Skin Cancer is a preventable disease and by taking the necessary precautions whilst you are out in the sun and avoiding UV Sunbeds you will be considerably more safe from the dangers of melanoma and skin cancer.

Men can be hesitant in going to their Doctor or GP but MASScot advises having any mole checked out if you are in any way suspicious.

Men can often develop the cancer on their back rather than arms and legs which may make it more difficult for them to spot. So make sure you have someone check your back just in case!

For more information on Melanoma and Skin Cancer visit MASScot's website: click here.

To read more on Cancer Research UK's findings click on the link below for a more detailed explanation. 


Source: Cancer Research UK

The Glasgow Show

MASScot at the Glasgow Show

Melanoma Action and Support Scotland had a fantastic day out at the Glasgow Show which took place over the weekend of the 20th and 21st of July. 

The weather was great and MASScot was out in force to educated those about the dangers of the sun on a scorching Glasgow weekend.

The Glasgow Show involved live music, extreme sports, dance performances, street theatre, countryside activities, children's funfair rides and a main arena filled with international acts.

Whilst at the show MASScot dispensed free sunscreen, provided information on suncream and preventing skin cancer to literally hundreds of people who were all in attendance.

Leigh, Stefanie and Aileen also sold sun hats and took over £200 to boost Melanoma Action and Support Scotland's funds.

MASScot is indebted to Dougie of Radio Clyde for reminding the crowd to go and top up their sun protection time and time again, which was taken up by many people who had come unprepared for the sun. 

MASScot was delighted to be told by the show Events Manager that they will be refunding our fee. Thank you Glasgow City Council for a superb two days. Another thanks must go to the Royal Signals for coming round and making our day. The most fun we have had spreading on sun cream ever.

Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Roundup 05/08/2013

A collection of links from the past few weeks. I've been away on Holiday so I thought instead of missing out on the bits and pieces from the last few weeks I'd just put them all into one round up.


Thunderstorms, hail and even floods to shatter Britain's dry spell - Quote from MASScot Chair Leigh Smith MBE in article. 

• After much of the UK basked in temperatures of at least 28C since July 6, the country is currently experiencing a cooler weekend for the first time in a fortnight, bringing temporary relief from the heat before storms hit on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Source: Telegraph

Parents who let their children get badly sunburned should be referred to social services for neglect, say campaigners - Quote from MASScot Chair Leigh Smith MBE in article.

• Children who get badly sunburned should be referred to social services, say campaigners. They insist parents are guilty of ‘neglect’ if they allow their children to get so severely burned they need hospital treatment. Skin cancer and burns charities say that in cases where health staff have concerns they should report the child’s condition to social workers.

Source: Daily Mail


Scottish skin cancer survival rates at all-time high

• Eight out of 10 men and nine out of 10 women diagnosed with the most dangerous form of skin cancer will now survive the disease, according to a new report.

Source: BBC


Scots scientist says skin cancer vaccine coming

• The leading Scottish doctor who created a jab to prevent cervical cancer says a vaccine to stop people getting skin cancer is now on the horizon. Professor Ian Frazer is involved in research to find viruses that could play a role in the development of skin cancers and said the vaccine could be available in ten years.

Source: Scotsman

Volunteer with MASScot! 14 July & 20/21 July

We are looking for volunteers to come along and help spread Melanoma Action and Support Scotland's sun protection message.

MASScot will be attending the Heavy Horse Show in East Kilbride on Sunday the 14th July and need volunteers to help run our stand at this event. This is one of Scotland's biggest heavy horse shows, offering the chance to get up close to nearly 200 horses, from tiny Shetlands through to sturdy Highland ponies and giant Clydesdale's  Watch show classes, donkey classes and agility courses in the ring, take a pony ride and join in with children’s craft workshops. MASScot will be there to make sure everyone is educated on Melanoma and Skin Cancer.

Date: Sunday 14th July
Location: National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride.

We will also be attending The Glasgow Show on both the 20th and 21st of July at Glasgow Green. The Glasgow show is an exhilarating weekend of amazing family entertainment and exciting activities. With live music, extreme sports, dance performances, street theatre, countryside activities, children's funfair rides and a main arena filled with international acts. You can be part of the festivities by volunteering with MASScot and helping to make the weekend even better for all attending. 


Date: Saturday 20th July - Sunday 21st July
Location: Glasgow Green

Volunteer Expenses will be paid. 


MASScot will be present at the Pollok Family Fun Day at Pollok Park on Sat the 3rd of August. There will be several arenas throughout Glasgow’s largest park with a range of entertainment and activities which promise something for everyone.
Date: Saturday 3rd August
Location: Pollok Country Park


If your up for volunteering at any of these events contact Leigh Smith at: 

0773 823 1260 or email  Leigh@masscot.org.uk media@masscot.org.uk

Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Roundup

Collection of links and articles on Melanoma and Skin Cancer from the last week.


Cancer treatment time targets being missed by more than half of Scotland's regional health boards

• NEW figures show that eight of Scotland's 14 regional health boards failed to meet the target of 95 per cent of patients starting treatment within 62 days of being urgently referred at the start of this year.

Source: Daily Record

Almost half of Scots try to get sunburnt in hope of 'deeper tan'

• Getting sunburnt once every two years can triple the risk of skin cancer but 46% of people surveyed in Scotland will take the risk, according to Macmillan Cancer Support — the UK average is 40%.

Source: STV

Garden weed that could help fight off skin cancer: Picato is fast-acting treatment for condition that causes one form of disease

• A new treatment for skin damage that can lead to cancer has been created from the sap of a common garden weed.

Source: Daily Mail

Ayrshire skin cancer diagnoses still rising
Source: Irvine times

Birthday Honours trio congratulated

• Jo Swinson MP has congratulated MASScot chair Leigh Smith who was given an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Source: Bearsden and Milngavie Herald

British women's appetite for tanning salons is fading fast as the appeal of the orange look starts to wear off

• Number of UK tanning salons decreased by a third last year
• Women are favouring pale look of celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence
• Using a sunbed before age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by nearly 90 per cent

Source: Daily Mail