Top cancer doctor urges people in Wiltshire to protect skin from sun
There are around 17,000 cases of skin cancer in the UK every year
Last updated 29th Apr 2025
People in Wiltshire are being urged by a leading cancer doctor to protect themselves from the sun to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Cancer Research UK figures suggest there are around 17,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer every year.
Dr Richard Roope from the Wessex Cancer Alliance told Greatest Hits Radio that ultraviolet from the sun can damage our skin and "put in place changes that sometimes, many years later, can develop into a cancer".
He stressed that prevention is the key, by reducing our exposure to the sun and reducing sunburn.
Dr Roope said there are three types of skin cancer, but Melanoma is "the really nasty one" and can be fatal.
From the 17,000 cases of Melanoma, there are around 2,300 deaths from Melanoma every year.
While he insisted that doctors don't want to be "party poopers", Dr Roope called for sensible action to be taken when enjoying the sun.
He said: "The standard advice is try and seek the shade between about 11 and three. Don't be deceived by the actual air temperature, because the sun is just as strong, whether it's cooler or warmer.
"We're recommending SPF 30 or above. It needs to be put on half an hour before you go out and needs to be re applied after swimming or sweating."
Dr Roope said the brand of SPF sun cream doesn't matter at all, despite many people asking him if there are superior brands.
He said: "If you go for a supermarket brand that is perhaps cheaper, you're perhaps more likely to put it on in greater quantities and more often. So the advice we would normally give is go for one you like the feel of and the smell of and most likely to fit within your budget."