Build shade to beat sun's rays - guidance

Wednesday January 26th, 2011

New buildings should provide areas of outdoor shade to help people avoid the sun, according to new official UK guidance published today.

NHS advisers are anxious the public should not be deterred from outdoor activity by warnings against skin cancer.

The new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence calls on the NHS and councils to take action to prevent skin cancer.

It can do this through public information but also by making changes to the natural environment and to buildings, it says.

The NHS spends about £70 million a year on treating skin cancer.

Professor Mike Kelly, of NICE, said: "There is nothing wrong with short periods of exposure to sunshine, and it may in fact be beneficial.

"But prolonged exposure and sunburn can have dangerous consequences – a third of all cancers detected in this country are from skin cancer, including non-malignant and malignant melanoma."

He added: "Simple actions can greatly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer - opting to stay in the shade, wearing protective clothing in the sun, avoiding too much sun during the middle of the day and using sunscreen can all have an effect."

Professor Catherine Law, a NICE adviser based at University College London, said: "The guidance includes some simple and practical recommendations which can prevent over-exposure. These include creating shaded areas when constructing new or redeveloping existing buildings.

"It also recommends that schools should encourage children and young people to apply sun screen and seek shade during breaks outside."

Tags: Cancer | Dermatology | General Health | UK News

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