Stevenson Helps MASScot in Promoting Skin Cancer Awareness

MASScot (Melanoma Action & Support Scotland) recently exhibited in the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the high incidence of malignant melanoma - the most common cancer in 15 to 34 year olds in Scotland.

MASScot asked the MSPs to consider a public education campaign to prevent skin cancers by avoiding sunburn and to make people aware of the early signs of skin cancer and the dangers of sunbed use. MSPs were asked to sign that they agreed that Sun Protection is Vital and add a comment of their own. Alex Salmond wrote "Pale is Cool" and many particularly noted the need for protection of young people. We hope the exercise will result in questions being asked about sun awareness and result in a debate on this issue in the Scottish Parliament.

Leigh Smith, Chair of MASScot, commented:

"We are delighted with the amount of MSPs who have signed the Sun Protection is Vital pledge and the many who highlighted how important it is to educate our youngsters on safe sun practice from an early age. Furthermore, knowing the signs to look for and early detection of skin cancer can mean the difference between life and death, and this is something we hope will be debated on in the near future." 

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson added:

“Early diagnosis with removal by minor surgery will cure thin melanomas, but all too often the early signs of cancer are missed. That’s why I feel it’s important to support the work of organisations such as MASScot to ensure that people get the right information about the simple steps they can take to protect themselves.”

Further information on melanoma & the support that MASScot provide can be found at: www.masscot.org.uk