Early results show two drugs may be better than one to treat most deadly skin cancer

Monday 11 February 2013

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Adding lung cancer drugs to targeted melanoma treatment could increase survival for certain patients, according to research published in Cancer Discovery today.

Scientists at Cancer Research UK’s Paterson Institute at The University of Manchester showed that lung cancer drugs such as gefitinib (Iressa) can override resistance to new targeted therapies for melanoma, called BRAF inhibitors.

The first BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib (Zelboraf), was approved for patients on the NHS in 2012, and others are currently in development. They work by targeting a faulty version of the BRAF protein, found in more than half of all melanomas as well as some other types of cancer.

But patients often become resistant to BRAF inhibitors after a short time and their disease returns, leaving them without further treatment options.

Now scientists have found that treating BRAF inhibitor-resistant cancer cells or tumours with the drugs gefitinib or dasatinib, which block a different biological pathway, can halt their growth.

Lead author, Professor Richard Marais, director of Cancer Research UK’s Paterson Institute, said: “This exciting research shows that two drugs can be better than one in beating this deadly disease.

“If these findings are confirmed in larger studies, combining two drug types could provide an effective new treatment for skin cancer patients for whom the only existing targeted treatment available – vermurafenib – no longer works.  

“This is a vital step to understand how to treat the disease more effectively but there is still a lot to do. We hope that this work accelerates progress that will ultimately increase survival from skin cancer.”

Around 12,800 people in the UK are diagnosed with malignant melanoma each year and there are around 2,200 deaths from the disease.

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information manager, said: “These new results builds on our work on the BRAF gene, which has led to the development of important new drugs for melanoma.  

“This fundamental research into the biology of cancer is leading directly to new treatments and we hope that this latest study will bring forward more effective approaches for treating melanoma, which we urgently need. This is the kind of work that the new Manchester Cancer Research Centre excels at - bringing together a wide range of expertise to revolutionise cancer treatment.”

Professor Marais’ team is part of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), which is a partnership between Cancer Research UK, The Christie and The University of Manchester. A new campaign, “More Tomorrows”, is fundraising to build a centre for MCRC scientists to work together on treatments for cancer.

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Desire for a tan is making teenage girls ignore sunbed dangers

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Teenage girls desperate for a tan are determined to find ways of getting round the law banning under-18s from using sunbeds, according to a new study from Cancer Research UK published in the Journal of Public Health.

During focus groups,* 15-18 year old girls who regularly used sunbeds were asked questions that explored their motivation to use them, their attitudes towards supervision and their knowledge of the health risks. The study found that their desire to get a tan overcame any misgivings about the potential health risks.

Participants said that having a tan made them feel more confident, look healthier and was an important consideration for special events. And when it came to the health risks, most teenagers knew about the potential dangers but were happy to accept or ignore them.

Dr Jeffrey Lake, public health consultant and lead author of the study, said: “The research shows us that the desire for tanned skin in young people is blinding them to the potential long-term health risks associated with regularly using sunbeds.

“We’re finding that their worries are cosmetic when they should really be thinking about the unseen damage they’re inflicting on themselves.”

In 2010, a Cancer Research UK study revealed that a quarter of a million children in England between the ages of 11 and 17 were regularly using sunbeds.** In 2011, legislation in England and Wales made it illegal for under 18s to use sunbeds.

But the law in England risks falling short because it is difficult to ensure that tanning salons are supervised by trained staff who can stop teenagers from using potentially harmful equipment and warn customers about health risks.

Catherine Thomson, head of statistical information at Cancer Research UK and co-author of the study, said: “It’s worrying to see that, in some areas of the UK, half of all 15-17 year old girls are using sunbeds on a regular basis.

“Introducing the legislation banning sunbed use by under 18s was vital to protect younger people from the harmful effects of UV. But proper supervision in salons is essential to combat the determination of teenagers to get round laws that are there for their own protection.”

The findings are published just over a week before Cancer Research UK launches its R UV UGLY? campaign for a second time in England.  As part of the campaign, people will be offered free cosmetic skin scans at sk:n clinics across the country.  Specialist skin-scanning technology will be used to highlight the hidden cosmetic damage lurking beneath the skin’s surface, such as pigmentation and premature wrinkles, caused by overexposure to UV both from sunbeds and the sun.

Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “This study shows that we need to persuade teenagers that damaging their health really isn’t justified by the promise of a tan.

“Sunbeds aren’t harmless and research has showed that using them for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by 59 per cent.”

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Sunbed skin cancer risk double that of mediterranean midday summer sun

Thursday 17 January 2013

Cancer Research UK Press Release

The average skin cancer risk from sunbeds is more than double that of spending the same length of time in the Mediterranean midday summer sun – according to new research1 from the University of Dundee and published today in the British Journal of Dermatology.

The study tested levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from 400 sunbeds in England and found that nine in ten of the sunbeds tested emitted UV radiation at levels above British and EU standards. The average strength of radiation was approaching twice the recommended limit.

The Cancer Research UK study also compared the skin cancer risk from using these sunbeds with the risk from the Mediterranean midday summer sun. The average skin cancer risk from the sunbeds tested was more than twice that of spending the same length of time in the Mediterranean midday summer sun, with one of the sunbeds producing a skin cancer risk six times higher than the sun.

Professor Harry Moseley, consultant medical physicist at University of Dundee and lead author, said: “The development of high-power sunlamps, along with clear failures of the sunbed industry to regulate themselves effectively, is putting young people at an even greater risk of skin cancer than we previously thought.

“We hope that these findings will make people think twice before using sunbeds as you can’t be sure how much radiation you’re exposing yourself to when you try to top-up a tan. People need to be encouraged to take better care of their skin, otherwise the cases of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, will continue to increase in England.”

Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s worrying to see that so many sunbeds in England are not meeting the safety standards. This strengthens our advice that using a sunbed just isn’t worth it.

“Research has already shown that using sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by 87 per cent. They’re not going to do you any good – the best case scenario is that they’ll age and damage your skin; the worst case scenario is a cancer diagnosis and potentially death.”

The strength of UV from sunbeds was found to be no different in those areas where the licensing of sunbeds is required compared to unlicensed areas.

The British and European standard2 was introduced in 2003 and sets out a maximum level of UV radiation to be emitted by sunbeds used for cosmetic purposes. The findings suggest that there is much more work for local authorities to do to ensure that standards are being met by tanning businesses.

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists explained: “Product safety standards are there to protect the public and the government needs to step up its regulation of the industry.

“England is sadly trailing behind the rest of the UK in this matter. We need proper regulation, covering issues like safety of equipment and health warnings for clients and enforceable through inspections of premises.”

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US researchers warn against apps to diagnose skin cancer

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Smartphone apps that claim to detect skin cancer could delay proper medical diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment, US expert have warned.

Apps that analyse photographs of the skin to detect possible melanoma skin cancer often give inaccurate results, according to scientists from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Researchers used four apps to analyse 188 images of skin lesions. Three of the apps incorrectly classified 30 per cent or more melanomas as 'unconcerning'.

"These tools may help patients be more mindful about their health care and improve communication between themselves and their physicians," said Dr Laura Ferris, one of the researchers.

"But it's important that users don't allow their 'apps' to take the place of medical advice and physician diagnosis."

Every year around 12,800 people in the UK are diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. And around 2,200 die from the disease.

The study concentrated on apps that are available on the two most popular smartphone operating systems.

Each of the apps is designed to analyse digital images taken with the phone to advise the user whether their moles are potential melanomas or if they are likely to be benign.

The apps work in different ways. Some returned results based on automated algorithms, whereas one sent images to a skin specialist.

All of the apps featured disclaimers stating they were for educational purposes only, but researchers said there was a risk that patients might rely too heavily on the verdict generated by the phone.

"If they see a concerning lesion but the smartphone app incorrectly judges it to be benign, they may not follow up with a physician," said Dr Ferris.

"Technologies that decrease the mortality rate by improving self- and early-detection of melanomas would be a welcome addition to dermatology. But we have to make sure patients aren't being harmed by tools that deliver inaccurate results."

Dr Claire Knight, health information manager at Cancer Research UK said the finding was worrying.

"Using a mobile phone app may seem like a convenient alternative to visiting the doctor about any changes to your skin, but if the app gets it wrong a potentially deadly skin cancer could be missed," she said.

"If you notice any changes in the size, shape or colour of a mole or any other change to a mole or normal patch of skin, consult your doctor, not your phone."

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'Drug holidays' improve response to key skin cancer drug in mice

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Melanoma skin cancers that develop resistance to the drug vemurafenib also become "addicted" to it, fuelling their resistance.

In lab tests, scientists in California and Switzerland showed that removing the drug for a short period of time - rather than giving a continuous dose - caused such vemurafenib-dependent tumours to shrink.

The finding could help improve survival for patients with late-stage melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer, according to research published in Nature.

Professor Mark Middleton, director of Cancer Research UK's Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre at Oxford, said: "We still need to test the idea in the clinic, but these results suggest a way in which this important new treatment might be able to increase the benefit to patients and their families.

"It also offers the possibility of more cost-effective treatment, with fewer side effects, because patients would spend some of the time off vemurafenib."

Vemurafenib, also known as Zelboraf, is one of the first new drugs to be made available to patients with melanoma for over a decade. It works by targeting a faulty protein called BRAF, which is found in around half of all melanomas.

The researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research found that tumours that become resistant to vemurafenib treatment do so by making more BRAF - the very thing the drug is intended to targeted

They then deduced that drug-resistant tumours might stop growing when they stopped giving vemurafenib.

As predicted, in mice with drug-resistant melanomas no longer treated with vemurafenib the tumours shrank.

Study leader Dr Martin McMahon, from UCSF, said: "Remarkably, intermittent dosing with vemurafenib prolonged the lives of mice with drug-resistant melanoma tumors," said.

The research raises the possibility that so-called "drug holidays" could extend vemurafenib's effectiveness in humans, although clinical trials have yet to be conducted.

Professor Richard Marais, Director of Cancer Research UK's Paterson Institute at the University of Manchester, was part of a Cancer Research UK-funded team that discovered the BRAF faults in melanoma. He described vemurafenib as "an exciting drug and one of the success stories of cancer research".

"It's not a cure for melanoma but can give people valuable extra months," he added.

More than 12,800 people in the UK are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer every year and around 2,200 die from the disease.

Professor Marais added: "This new study is exciting because it suggests a way to combat the evolution of drug resistance in melanoma patients using the drugs we already have, rather than having to develop new ones. It will be interesting to see if these lab results are mirrored in clinical trials."

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Blocking SMURFs may increase effectiveness of experimental melanoma drug

Thursday 20 December 2012

Lowering the levels of a protein called SMURF2 inside melanoma cells can boost the effectiveness of experimental drugs called MEK inhibitors, according to researchers in Manchester.

The discovery could ultimately lead to new trials aimed at overcoming resistance to these drugs, which can develop rapidly in melanoma patients on existing trials.

Dr Claudia Wellbrock and her team at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research at Manchester University compared human melanoma cells that responded to the drugs against cells that did not.

The cells that did not respond to the drug contained higher levels of the protein SMURF2, according to the research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

But if the level of SMURF2 in the resistant melanoma cancer cells was artificially reduced, then the tumour cells became 100 times more sensitive to the drug.

Further analysis showed that removing SMURF2 lowers the level of a second protein, called MITF, in tumour cells. The research indicates that MITF is responsible for resistance to MEK inhibitors, at least in some cases.

"We're very excited about the potential for this new approach that has proved to be so effective in our experiments," Dr Wellbrock said.

Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer and is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

"By the time many people are diagnosed with melanoma the cancer has already started to spread and advanced tumours can be highly resistant to conventional cancer treatments," Dr Wellbrock said.

"The development of resistance to new drugs has also been a major drawback."

"If we can identify more potent and less toxic drug combinations to tackle melanoma then we could save thousands of lives."

Cancer Research UK co-funded the research. Dr Julie Sharp from the charity said such efforts will form a key part of plans for the new Manchester Cancer Research Centre.

The centre is intended to bring together all the latest research developments and expertise to help revolutionise the way cancer is treated.

"Recently there have been some really exciting developments in treating melanoma - but new approaches that tackle the problem of resistance are still needed," she added.

Dr Wellbrock's team at Manchester University next task is to find a drug that can reduce the activity of SMURF2 in cancer cells.

Researchers are currently searching through existing drug collections for one that may already be approved for treating a different condition.

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Three-in-one 'supermolecule' could detect cancer early, help destroy tumours and monitor treatment

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

The same protein could potentially be targeted to detect precancerous breast cells; deliver radiotherapy to destroy tumours; and monitor the effectiveness of treatment, according to a Cancer Research UK study presented at the NCRI Cancer Conference in Liverpool today (Tuesday).
 
Oxford University scientists at the Cancer Research UK/MRC Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology showed in the laboratory that a technique monitoring high levels of a protein called Gamma H2AX, found in many pre-cancerous cell types including breast, lung and skin cancer, could be used to detect cancer early.

The team took microscopic images of fluorescent ‘flag’ molecules attached to an antibody which ‘homes in’ on and attaches to Gamma H2AX, to identify areas of DNA damage*. The fluorescent ‘snap shots’ of Gamma H2AX revealed the location of pre-cancerous breast cancer cells at a very early stage.

Professor Katherine Vallis, who led the study at the Cancer Research UK/MRC Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology at Oxford University, said: “This early research reveals that tracking this important molecule could allow us to detect DNA damage throughout the body. If larger studies confirm this, the protein could provide a new route to detect cancer at its very earliest stage – when it is easier to treat successfully.”

Previously the team modified an antibody to target Gamma H2AX and deliver radiotherapy to breast cancer cells which contained high levels of the protein. This form of radiotherapy works by boosting DNA damage until cells can no longer repair mistakes – and die.

The results confirmed that the radioactive antibody killed breast cancer cells and slowed tumour growth.

Prof Vallis added: “We need to confirm these findings in larger studies before we know if this approach could benefit patients. But these initial results show that it may be possible to track down cells with high levels of DNA damage, and destroy them before they became cancerous.

“One day we may be able to scan the body to map out the radioactive antibodies that have attached to the Gamma H2AX molecule. This could also allow doctors to paint a useful picture of how effective a treatment is.”

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information manager, said: “This important study reveals that targeting this  key molecule could provide an exciting route for new ways to detect cancer at an earlier stage – and help to deliver radiotherapy and monitor its effect on tumours.

“Thousands of cancer patients in the UK, and millions worldwide, benefit from radiotherapy every year. Cancer Research UK has invested heavily in research such as this to explore new ways to improve this vital treatment.”

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NICE recommends new treatments for advanced melanoma

Friday 2 November 2012

Two new treatments for advanced melanoma skin cancer have been recommended for use by NICE, the healthcare guidance body for England and Wales.

Final draft guidance documents have now been issued for both vemurafenib and ipilimumab. Manufacturers of the treatments have agreed to provide discounts.

Vemurafenib, which is also known as Zelboraf and is manufactured by Roche, has been recommended for the treatment of melanoma that has spread. And ipilimumab, marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb under the name Yervoy, is recommended for the treatment of advanced melanoma in people who have previously received chemotherapy.

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician, said: "We're delighted that discounts on the price of these drugs mean that NICE has been able to approve vemurafenib and ipilimumab for routine use on the NHS.

"Although they are not cures, these treatments represent real signs of progress through our understanding of biology for people with advanced skin cancer - a disease where new treatments are long overdue."

The Health Technology Evaluation Centre director at NICE, Professor Carole Longson, said that without the introduction of new treatments, the prospects for patients with advanced melanoma are "very poor". Their quality of life is also likely to be affected by the condition, she added.

Vemurafenib and ipilimumab are the first new drug treatments for advanced melanoma for over a decade. Currently, the disease is managed with a chemotherapy drug called dacarbazine.

In respone to initial negative verdicts from NICE, the manufacturers of both treatments issued additional analysis. This, along with the discounts offered, meant that NICE was able to rule that the treatments represent a cost-effective use of NHS resources.

Cancer Research UK's Professor Johnson added: "This is a good example of NICE and the pharmaceutical companies working together to ensure that effective cancer treatments get from research to the patients who need them. We want to see responsible pricing from the outset so that patients are not left in limbo."

Professor Longson described the new drugs as "breakthrough treatments" for skin cancer and as such represent a major step forwards for patients.

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Study links sunbeds to most common forms of skin cancer

Wednesday 3 October 2012

As well as increasing the risk of melanoma skin cancer - the most serious form of the disease - sunbed users are also at increased risk of developing the much more common forms, according to US researchers.

The link between sunbed use and malignant melanoma has been established for some time. But the study confirms recent studies that it can also cause both types of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell skin cancer.

These cancers are far less dangerous than melanoma, but much more common - an estimated 100,000 people are diagnosed in the UK every year, and the diseases cause around 550 deaths a year.

Scientists from the University of California in San Francisco reviewed 12 studies of 9,328 people with non-melanoma skin cancer.

People who used sunbeds increased their risk of developing the squamous cell type by 67 per cent and their risk of basal cell carcinoma by 29 per cent.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 2 million people are diagnosed with basal and squamous cell skin cancer each year in the US. The study researchers, led by Professor Eleni Linos at the University of California, estimate that sunbeds cause over 170,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer every year in the US alone. The study does not provide UK-specific estimates.

The study, published in the journal BMJ, shows there is "a critical period" during early life where exposure to the rays of tanning beds is particularly dangerous.

It found that the risk of basal cell carcinoma was particularly high in people who started using sunbeds before the age of 25.

Cancer Research UK said the study shows that sunbeds are not a safe alternative to sunbathing.

Cancer Research UK's health information manager, Dr Claire Knight, said: "This study adds to the already large body of evidence showing that sunbed use increases the risk of several types of skin cancer. This includes malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, but also non-melanoma skin cancer, which although generally less serious is far more common."

In the UK under-18s already face restrictions on sunbed use, and unsupervised tanning salons are banned. Businesses that fail to comply with the regulations and allow under-18s to use sunbeds face fines of up to £20,000.

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Loss of 'DNA tag' could be key to melanoma growth

Thursday 13 September 2012

Skin cells that have lost a common chemical tag from their DNA could be more likely to develop into melanoma cells - the most deadly type of skin cancer - according to US research.

Experts from the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston were able to halt the growth of melanoma in animal models by re-introducing the so-called 'epigenetic' tag into the cancer cells.

The research suggests that treatments that reverse the epigenetic defect could be developed.

The study found that a particular epigenetic tag in the DNA of normal skin cells and healthy mole cells called 5-hmC was missing in the DNA from melanoma cells.

The researchers, led by Dr Yujiang Geno Shi, were able to halt melanoma growth in animal models by introducing enzymes responsible for the formation of 5-hmC to melanoma cells that lacked the tag. Once this was done the cells stopped growing.

Dr Christine Lian, co-lead author from the Brigham and Women's Hospital, said: "It is difficult to repair the mutations in the actual DNA sequence that are believed to cause cancer.

"So having discovered that we can reverse tumour cell growth by potentially repairing a biochemical defect that exists - not within the sequence - but just outside of it on the DNA structure, provides a promising new melanoma treatment approach for the medical community to explore."

Dr Santiago Uribe-Lewis, an epigenetics expert based at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, said: “Evidence is mounting that many different types of tumour, including brain and bowel cancers, have depleted levels of  5-hmC. This latest study is very interesting, as it shows that it’s possible to replenish 5-hmC levels in melanoma cells, and that this can help to slow the growth of tumours in animal models.

“The challenge now is to translate this early-stage lab work into an effective treatment for people – this is no easy task, but this work is a step towards that goal.”

Over the last thirty years, rates of melanoma in Britain have risen faster than any of the current top ten cancers. If the work is developed further, the findings could have significant repercussions for treatment and prevention of the disease, which claims more than 2,000 lives in the UK every year.

The study is published in the journal Cell.

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Young Brits’ risky sun habits could increase risk of skin cancer

Friday 31 August 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

More than a third of 16-24 year olds admit to risky behaviour in the sun, according to a new survey from Cancer Research UK’s Made in the Shade campaign.

The results showed that 35 per cent plan to use sunbeds, tanning oils, only apply sunscreen when they start to burn, let their skin burn in the hope that it will eventually go brown or don’t intend to wear any sunscreen at all in strong sun this summer.

The bad weather we’ve seen this year has also impacted on young people’s behaviour, as almost a quarter (23 per cent) plan to spend less time in the shade when the sun eventually appears than they did last summer.

The YouGov poll, which surveyed 2,124 UK adults of all ages, brings to light some worrying insights into how young people are behaving in the sun.

More than a quarter of young people (27 per cent) say that they would spend at least an hour in strong sun without protecting their skin, which for many people, especially those with fair skin, could increase their risk of sunburn.  And just one in five (20 per cent) only plan to first apply sunscreen when they start to get sunburnt or their skin starts to feel sore.

Everyone needs some sun to keep their bones healthy, but for many, especially those with fair skin, spending prolonged periods of time in strong sun could increase their risk of sunburn. Sunburn is the body’s response to the damage caused by too much UV, and getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. You can help protect your skin and reduce your chances of getting sunburn by using shade, clothing and sunscreen when the sun is strong.

Cancer Research UK’s Made in the Shade campaign is making the shade a ‘cool’ spot to hang out when the sun is at its strongest, by asking young people to get creative while enjoying the sun safely.

To enter the Made in the Shade competition, simply upload a piece of content that represents your ‘Spirit of Summer’ at www.madeintheshadeuk.com. The best entries (selected by a panel of top figures from the creative industries) can win amazing prizes including the chance to perform at Nova Festival 2013 and a top quality SLR camera.

Yinka Ebo, Senior Health Information Officer at Cancer Research UK, comments:

“With all of the unpredictable weather we’re experiencing this summer it’s key that when the sun does shine, you don’t get caught out by sunburn. Some people may want to spend hours in the sun desperate to catch the rays when they do eventually appear, but this may come at a price.  As well as the pain that getting sunburnt can cause, it’s also a sign that your skin has been damaged, which can lead to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

“We want people to see hanging out in the shade with their mates as THE place to be this summer. You can enjoy the sun safely without causing long-term damage to your skin.”

Get creative this summer with Made in the Shade www.madeintheshadeuk.com. Competition closes 10th September.

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Study suggests patients should be screened before receiving vemurafenib

Monday 13 August 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Different genetic mistakes driving skin cancer may affect  how patients respond to the drug vemurafenib, providing grounds to screen people with melanoma skin cancer before treatment, a new study by Cancer Research UK scientists suggests

The findings, published in the journal Genes and Development today, show that certain rare gene faults in the tumours of patients receiving vemurafenib may also explain why some patients develop secondary non-melanoma skin cancers.

Vemurafenib works by targeting a common fault in the gene BRAF, called V600E, which is present in at least half of melanomas. The drug stops BRAF from activating a key pathway that drives cancer growth.

But this common fault is not present in all people who develop melanoma and around 18 per cent of patients given the drug go on to develop other, less serious, forms of non-melanoma skin cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma, which need to be surgically removed.

To try and find out why, the University of Leicester-based researchers have been using mice to study a group of rare inherited developmental disorders called RASopathies, which are also caused by faults in the gene BRAF, but not the common fault that causes melanoma.

They studied a specific rare fault in BRAF called L597V, which is found both in melanoma patients and in people with RASopathies.

The rare fault was not found to cause cancer on its own. But when a second gene, called RAS, was faulty too the mice developed cancers similar to those caused by the common fault. However, although the tumours were similar the biology driving the cancers was subtly different.

Crucially this meant that the drug vemurafenib had the opposite effect on cells with the rare fault in BRAF, meaning it actually boosted cancer growth.

Lead author Dr Catrin Pritchard, from the University of Leicester, said: “This study shows that the L597V fault only leads to cancer when it happens alongside other faults in the cell, explaining why people with RASopathies don’t usually develop the disease. But because this rare fault works in a different way from the common one, vemurafenib has the opposite effect and actually causes secondary tumours, albeit less serious non-melanoma ones. This suggests that people should be screened to see what faults they have before they are given vemurafenib.”

Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer Research UK scientists were among the first to discover the link between melanoma and faulty BRAF, and since then drugs like vemurafenib, which block this pathway, have proved to be a major leap forward in the treatment of advanced melanoma. These results, however, could explain why vemurafenib is less effective in some patients who go on to develop secondary cancers. We now need clinical trials to see whether analysing BRAF faults can help predict response to vemurafenib in people, as well as mice.”

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'Tougher actions' needed to reduce deadly toll of sunbeds

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Every year, sunbeds cause more than one in twenty cases of the most serious type of skin cancer in Europe, French and Italian research has revealed.

The new study estimates that 5.4 per cent of the 63,942 new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in 2008 were linked to sunbed use.

Cancer Research UK said the study provides "the strongest evidence yet of the link between sunbed use and skin cancer."

Sunbeds are the second most significant environmental cause of skin cancer, after exposure to UV radiation from the sun itself.

The new research looked at data from 27 studies across Europe.

The analysis found that anyone who had used a sunbed had a 20 per cent higher risk of developing skin cancer compared with those who had never used one. This figure rose to an 87 per cent higher risk for people who first used sunbeds before the age of 35, and an additional 1.8 per cent increase in risk for every further sunbed session per year.

The authors say the sunbed industry is not able to "self-regulate effectively" but instead give "information intended to deceive consumers".

The researchers call for tougher regulations governing the use of sunbeds across Europe. They cite Australia, and European countries such as the UK, where under-18s face restrictions on sunbed use and unsupervised tanning salons are banned.

Dr Claire Knight, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said the study also found that using sunbeds increased the risk of two other less serious but more common types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

"It's now clearer than ever that sunbeds aren't a safe alternative to tanning in the sun. If you really want a tanned appearance it's better to fake it," she added.

Dr Knight also advised that skin cancer is easier to treat when found at an early stage, pointing out the importance of reporting unusual changes to the skin to the doctor without delay.

The study is published in the BMJ and was carried out by experts from the International Prevention Research Institute in France and the European Institute of Oncology in Italy.

• Read in-depth analysis on the Cancer Research UK blog

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Middle-aged hit by surge of potentially fatal skin cancer

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

BRITISH men and women in their 50s have seen cases of malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer  - soar from fewer than 500 each year to almost 2,000* since the end of the 1970s, new figures from Cancer Research UK show today.

The sharp increase means that more than five people a day in this age group are now diagnosed with a cancer that can prove fatal if diagnosed at a late stage.

Melanoma rates have more than tripled over the last 30 years,** rising from 7.5 cases of melanoma per 100,000 people in their 50s in Britain to 26.6 cases per 100,000.

And the latest available figures show that the total number of cases of malignant melanoma for all ages increased from around 12,100 in the UK in 2009 to around 12,800 in 2010 – a rise of more than five per cent.

The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better chance people have to beat the disease - this is the goal of a major partnership between Cancer Research UK and Tesco, who are working together to raise awareness about the early signs of cancer,  including skin cancer.

The stark rise in melanoma rates highlights the importance of raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, encouraging people to visit their doctor promptly if they notice any unusual changes in their skin, and of the need to be safe in the sun.

As well as Tesco’s in-store awareness campaign, which includes making Cancer Research UK leaflets about early signs of skin cancer easily accessible to millions of customers, Tesco aims to raise £10million this year to fund 32 early diagnosis research projects across the UK.

One of the projects benefiting from the Tesco Charity of the Year partnership is being carried out by a group of researchers at the University of Edinburgh who are finding new ways to help people recognise the signs of skin cancer earlier.

The team, led by Professor Jonathan Rees, want to see if using web-based images could be more successful at helping people recognise abnormalities than existing information.

Professor Jonathan Rees said: "People's idea of what skin cancer looks like is limited to three or four images that are widely used to promote awareness of the disease - but we don't think this goes far enough with helping people identify the problem and going to their doctor.

“With support from Tesco, the team in Edinburgh are working to use the internet and the potential it offers to access many images. It’s a bit like bird spotting – using pictures as a guide to what malignant melanoma could look like and helping people make a better decision about seeing their doctor.

“It’s worrying that melanoma rates are on the rise. But, if caught early, melanoma can be treated very successfully so if we can develop a better system of encouraging people to go to the doctor, this could potentially save a great deal of lives.”

Glenys Shankland, 57, from Derby works as a customer assistant at Tesco. She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in November 2010.

She said: “When my husband spotted the mole on the top of my left arm that was very itchy and red, I didn’t think anymore about it. I’m fair skinned and most of my family have red hair, so I try to be careful in the sun but I do enjoy being in my garden. I’ve been sunburnt a few times over the years but I never thought it would put me at risk of skin cancer.

“Fortunately I was at the right place at the right time. We’d just moved house and I needed to register with a new GP so I mentioned the mole then. If we hadn’t moved I probably wouldn’t have gone to the doctor as I didn’t think it looked like skin cancer.”

Glenys had surgery to remove the mole and tissue from around the area to make sure none of the cancer had spread. Because it was caught early she did not need further treatment, just regular check-ups.

She said: “That’s why the partnership between Cancer Research UK and Tesco means so much to me. It’s vital to we do all we can to spot cancer early so more lives can be saved. I know if my cancer hadn’t been caught early, things could have been very different for me. All too often cancer is detected further down the line when effective treatment becomes more difficult.”

In Great Britain thirty years ago malignant melanoma was the seventeenth most common cancer among people in their fifties, now it is the fifth most common cancer in this age group.

Sara Hiom, director of information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We know that cancer survival in the UK lags behind the best in Europe and this is likely because of a combination of many factors including late diagnosis.

“Our Spot Cancer Early campaign and partnership with Tesco are raising awareness of the difference early diagnosis can make to surviving cancer.

“Melanoma is a largely preventable disease; people can reduce their chance of developing skin cancer in the first place if they protect their skin from sunburn. But it’s also important that people are aware of the warning signs for malignant melanoma.

“Look out for changes in size, shape, or colour of a mole, freckle or normal patch of skin - these should be reported to a GP without delay. In particular look for moles or freckles that are asymmetrical, with uneven colours or borders, larger than a pencil top eraser, are itchy or bleed.

“The chances are this won’t turn out to be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early could make a real difference to the outcome.”

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For media enquiries please contact the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 3469 8300 or, out-of-hours, the duty press officer on 07050 264 059.

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Jenni Falconer looks hot but keeps cool as she launches new summer campaign

Thursday 19 July 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Jenni Falconer has been unveiled as the face of a new campaign being launched by Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN, who have joined forces to encourage people to enjoy the sun safely.

Despite the recent wet weather putting a dampener on the British summer, in between showers the sun is still making an appearance. And when it does, it’s important to enjoy it safely. 

The partnership between Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN will highlight the simple steps people can take to keep themselves and their family safer.  When the sun is strong, it’s important to use a combination of shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen to protect yourself, whether that’s in the UK or abroad.

Recent research conducted by Cancer Research UK highlights why the campaign is so important.  Even though 81.8 per cent of people are aware that too much exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, only 44.1 per cent use SPF 15+ sunscreen, less than a quarter (24.3 per cent) cover up, and just 13 per cent spend time in the shade.  

Not only does overexposure to the sun lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, it can also affect your appearance, causing sunburn, wrinkles and premature ageing.

Jenni, known for her fair skin, said: “I’m really delighted to be supporting the new campaign between Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN.  We all get a buzz of excitement when the sun comes out, but by following their advice, you can make sure you keep safe at the same time.  

“Personally, I think it’s incredibly important to look after your skin.  I always try to keep a small bottle of sunscreen in my handbag, cover up and spend some time in the shade when it’s sunny.  There are some really great outfits that not only keep you protected but keep you cool too, so there’s no excuse to get caught out.  This is my first year as a new mum as well, and so I’ve been particularly careful about keeping my daughter safe.  Children’s skin is so delicate so I try to keep her out of the sun as much as possible.”

Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK said: “The sun has been playing a game of hide and seek this summer, but there’s no hiding from the fact that overexposure to the sun’s rays can be damaging.  That’s why we’re working to raise awareness of the steps people can take to enjoy the sun safely.  This partnership will raise millions of pounds for our lifesaving research into skin cancer, and hopefully prevent it from affecting so many people in the future.”

Jenni is supporting the launch of the first phase of the partnership, which takes place in July 2012.  Over the course of three years, NIVEA SUN will raise millions of pounds which will go towards Cancer Research UK’s skin cancer research.  As well as fundraising for the charity, NIVEA SUN will be promoting key health messaging through an advertising campaign which will promote some simple advice that people can follow to stay safer in the sun:

• Use at least factor 15 sunscreen.  Put an ice cream scoop of sunscreen on when you’re out in strong sun.  Sunscreen rubs of easily if you sweat, swim or change clothes.  So whether you’re in the UK or abroad, when the sun is strong remember to apply plenty of factor 15 or higher, regularly.
• Cover up.  Wide brimmed hats or foreign legion style caps are best when the sun is strong, as well as a t-shirt and a good pair of sunglasses.
• Spend time in the shade if your shadow is shorter than you.  Between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is particularly strong in the UK, spend some time in the shade.

Graham Taylor at NIVEA SUN said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting Cancer Research UK.  We all need a bit of sun to keep us happy and healthy, but the important thing is to enjoy it responsibly and safely.”

For further information about how to enjoy the sun safely, visit www.sunsmart.org.uk

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Cancer Research UK calls on young Britons to stay cool and step into the shade this summer

Friday 6 July 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

While the summer may have been a washout so far, in between the showers there are some spells of sunshine, so Cancer Research UK has launched its latest youth campaign, ‘Made in the Shade’, encouraging young Britons to make sure they protect their skin from too much UV, and get creative in the shade.

Launching at this weekend’s Wireless Festival, the campaign will encourage youngsters aged 16-24 to spend time in the shade when the sun is strong, as too much sun can lead to sunburn, premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Cancer Research UK is calling on young people wanting to take part in ‘Made in the Shade’, to upload content they have created in the shade to a specially created Tumblr microblogging platform.  

To make this as easy as possible, the charity is providing free mobile ‘cool spots’ at cities across the UK throughout the summer.  

As well as providing access to the internet free of charge, there will be exclusive downloadable content from a whole host of celebrities, as well as a creative challenge to win money-can’t-buy prizes.

The campaign is launching in response to a new Cancer Research UK study that maps behaviour change over the past nine years.  The results show that despite the fact that almost 80 per cent (78.9 per cent) of 16-24 years olds are aware that too much exposure to the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer, only around 11 per cent actually spend any time in the shade. 

This figure has seen a significant decrease since the survey began in 2003.  The study also has seen a dip in people wearing any sunscreen at all despite malignant melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) being the sixth most common cancer in the UK.

Recent figures also show that over the last 20 years, the incidence rate of malignant melanoma in 15-24 year olds in the UK has increased by around half (48 per cent). 

Research shows that getting a painful sunburn just once every two years could triple the risk of malignant melanoma.  So it’s really important to protect your skin from sunburn by using shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen applied generously and regularly when the sun is strong.

Chris Lunn at Cancer Research UK, comments: “With all of the unpredictable weather we’re experiencing this summer it’s key that when the sun does shine, you don’t get caught out by sunburn. We hear stories of people spending hours in the sun desperate to catch the rays when they do eventually appear, but this comes at a price.  As well as the pain that getting sunburnt can cause, it’s also a sign that your skin has been irreversibly damaged, which can lead to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

“We want people to see hanging out in the shade with their mates as THE place to be this summer and enjoy the outdoors safely without causing any long-term damage to their skin.”

Content of any form will be accepted from short films and photographs to blog posts and comedy sketches.  What’s key is that it’s made in the shade and inspired by the ‘Spirit of Summer 2012’.  Entries will be judged by a high-profile panel, which includes Natasha McNamara from Glamour Magazine, Founder of Raindance Film Festival Elliot Grove and illustrator Quentin Jones.

The final entries in each category will be put to the public vote where they will battle to win prizes including an article appearing in Glamour Magazine, a short film course with Raindance Film Festival, a London College of Photography course and a BBQ with celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine.

Celebrities supporting the campaign include Will Best, Jack Whitehall and Simian Mobile Disco among others.

For more information on Cancer Research UK's new SunSmart campaign, Made in the Shade, visit www.madeintheshadeuk.com Entries can be made from 6th July – 3rd August 2012.

Contact:

For further information / interviews / images

Paul McNicholl    paul@hellounity.com                 02074409820
Lucy Draper        lucy@hellounity.com                 02074409828
Andrew Soar       andrew.soar@hellounity.com   02074409826

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Asbestos and shift work boost work-related cancer deaths to over 8,000 a year

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Around 8,000 cancer deaths in Britain each year are linked to occupations - especially those where asbestos, diesel engine fumes or shift work is involved - a new study shows today. This equates to around 5 per cent of all cancer deaths in Britain.

The study1, funded by the Health and Safety Executive and published in the British Journal of Cancer, also found that just under half of these deaths were among male construction workers who are most likely to come into contact with asbestos as well as other important carcinogens such as silica and diesel engine exhaust.2

Researchers used a list of work-related cancer causing substances identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to calculate the impact of work on cancer cases and deaths. And they found that around 13,600 new cancer cases are caused by risk factors related to work each year.

After asbestos, the main work-related risk factors were night shift-work – linked to around 1,960 female breast cancer cases, mineral oil from metal and printing industries – linked to around 1730 cases of bladder, lung and non-melanoma skin cancers, sun exposure – linked to around 1540 skin cancer cases, silica exposure – linked to 910 cancer cases and diesel engine exhaust – linked to 800 cases.3

And researchers warned that these estimates of cancer cases and deaths linked to occupation are likely to be conservative and could be even higher as new work-related risk factors are identified or the understanding of potential risk factors becomes more definite.4

In addition there are now more cases of cancer than there were back in 2004.

Lead author Dr Lesley Rushton, an occupational epidemiologist based at Imperial College London, said: “This study gives us a clear insight into how the jobs people do affect their risk of cancer.

“We hope these findings will help develop ways of reducing health risks caused by exposure to carcinogens in the workplace.

“The cancer with the greatest number of cases and deaths linked to work is lung – a disease which is hard to detect early and has poor survival. Over 30 occupational exposures have been identified by IARC as definite or probable lung cancer causing substances.

“One of the best ways we can beat the disease is by preventing it in the first place. Smoking has the single biggest impact on lung cancer risk, but work-place risks are also having a significant effect.”

Asbestos remains the most important occupational risk factor. Even though it is no longer used in construction, maintenance on old buildings can still be a risk for workers today. And the number of asbestos-related cancers will continue to rise as they can take a long time to develop.

Researchers said that some of the risk factors had an effect on cancer beyond the workplace – for example, asbestos can be found in some households and diesel engine exhaust contributes to air pollution.

Sara Hiom, director of information at Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s very worrying to see so many people developing and dying from occupation-related cancers. A large proportion of the deaths are a result of exposure to asbestos in past decades and improved safety measures should mean that in the next generation or so we will see this number tail off dramatically.

“The Health and Safety Executive has commissioned a review of the evidence on shift work and cancer – at the moment it’s still only classified as a probable cause of cancer. Once the review is complete in 2015, we will have a more definite understanding of the role it may play in influencing cancer risk.

“At this point, we expect the government and employers to take fast and appropriate action to minimise the risks faced by workers and Cancer Research UK will be watching this closely.

“Not smoking is the single most important thing that can reduce the likelihood of developing cancer - to put this in perspective, there are around 43,000 cancer deaths due to smoking in the UK each year. Maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on alcohol and taking plenty of exercise can also have a big impact on reducing the risk of cancer.”

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New drug is 'greatest advance' for basal cell skin cancer

Wednesday 6 June 2012

A new drug is effective against advanced forms of the most common type of skin cancer, according to US research.

Three new research papers published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that the drug vismodegib (also called Erivedge) can treat and prevent basal-cell carcinomas (BCCs), even those that have spread to other parts of the body.

The drug was approved by the US authorities in January 2012. It is awaiting approval by European regulators.

In the journal's editorial, Dr John Lear from Manchester Royal Infirmary said: "It is a landmark day for patients with basal cell carcinoma and all those involved in their care - the greatest advance in therapy yet seen for this disease."

But he also cautioned that side effects could be unpleasant, including taste loss, hair loss, and muscle cramps.

One paper outlines the results of a clinical trial in which vismodegib was given to patients with Gorlin syndrome, a rare genetic disease in which individuals have tens to hundreds of BCCs.

There is currently no cure for Gorlin syndrome - patients usually undergo regular surgery to remove the tumours. But vismodegib greatly slowed the progress of the disease. On average, people who took the drug developed only two tumours a year, compared with 29 in people who took a placebo.

A second clinical trial published today was the basis for the approval of vismodegib in the US five months ago. The trial shows that the drug is effective for some people with previously 'untreatable' BCCs - advanced tumours that are extremely large ('locally advanced') or have spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body.

The drug caused tumours to shrink in 43 per cent of patients with locally advanced disease, and 30 per cent of patients with metastatic disease.

Vismodegib works by targeting a molecular process inside cells known as the 'hedgehog' signalling pathway, whose precise functioning was unravelled by Cancer Research UK scientists in the 1990s. 

This pathway, which involves a gene known as 'hedgehog', is activated in people with BCC in a way that does not normally occur in healthy cells. Vismodegib limits this effect.

A third research paper outlines the use of vismodegib to treat a man who had BCCs all over his body, but who did not have Gorlin syndrome.

Researchers analysed his genetic material and found faults that suggested he should respond to vismodegib - and he did. 

Dr Safia Danovi, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "Cancer Research UK played a key role in the early development of this drug and we're delighted that it has reached this important milestone. If vismodegib is approved in the UK, it will provide advanced BCC patients an alternative to potentially disfiguring surgery, which until now has been the only way of controlling this disease.

"This is great news for patients and it's thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we're able to invest in the kinds of early stage research that can so often spark advances like this."

She added that the charity hopes that this vismodegib will receive its European licence quickly, so that UK patients can benefit as soon as possible from the drug.

Basal cell carcinoma affects about 100,000 people in the UK, and is often caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation such as sunlight.

The vast majority of people are diagnosed at an early stage, before it has spread and when surgical treatment is an effective, although potentially disfiguring, cure.

Copyright Press Association 2012

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Cancer Research UK initiative attracts innovative targeted cancer trials to the UK

Thursday 31 May 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

A Cancer Research UK initiative to improve cancer gene testing has prompted two pharmaceutical companies to plan pioneering international trials into targeted cancer treatments in the UK.

Cancer Research UK’s Stratified Medicine Programme launched last year in a bid to test tumour samples from 9,000 UK patients across six different tumour types to help further research into new targeted therapies.

Each tumour sample is being tested for a range of gene faults linked to cancer, and the information entered into a database that will allow researchers to compare the results of treatment to specific faults within cancer cells.

As a result of the programme, Roche and Bristol-Myers Squibb are working with Cancer Research UK to run trials in the UK that rely on this testing. The Roche trial will look at whether patients with a range of cancers could benefit from the targeted skin cancer drug vemurafenib. The Bristol-Myers Squibb trial is seeking health authority and ethics approval.

Doctors will be able to use the Stratified Medicine testing to see if any of their patients have the specific faults in their tumour, which would make them suitable to join these trials.

Michelle Rashford, medical director, Roche UK said: “The stratified medicines programme run by Cancer Research UK is an exciting initiative, as the opportunity to test tumour samples for a range of biomarkers is an important step in the continued development of personalised medicines.  Our VE-Basket study of vemurafenib in patients with V600 mutation positive cancers across different disease areas will allow us to identify patients that may benefit from treatment, and get closer to the goal of truly targeted medicines that provide better patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary side effects and ultimately deliver life-saving and life-prolonging treatments.”  

Oracle has also signed an agreement with Cancer Research UK to provide Oracle Health Sciences Translational Research Center software that will allow such information to be integrated and analysed much more efficiently, helping drive forward research into targeted cancer treatments.

Neil de Crescenzo, senior vice president and general manager at Oracle Health Sciences, said: “As we move toward the next generation of care, the ability to integrate and meaningfully analyse data will be a critical component in the ability to deliver more targeted, personalised therapies.

“We are delighted to work with Cancer Research UK to provide the analytical foundation needed to unlock real value from their data to support new insights at the molecular level, as they seek to expand on the genetic testing of tumours to enable more advanced, targeted and effective treatments for cancer patients.”

Cancer Research UK’s programme is a partnership with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), and a range of other universities, hospitals and companies in six collaborations funded by the TSB: a total investment of £18 million. More than 2600 patients have so far enrolled, putting the programme on target to finish recruiting at the end of next summer.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: “This is an excellent example of collaboration between the research base and industry. It shows how Cancer Research UK is driving forward the delivery of significant benefits for patients. Two further pharmaceutical companies have got onboard and decided to carry out clinical trials - this is evidence of the attractiveness of the UK as a location for science and innovation."

James Peach, director of Cancer Research UK’s stratified medicine programme, said: “We’re delighted that our programme has helped bring these two highly innovative cancer trials to the UK, where we hope they will be of benefit to patients.

“Being able to quickly and efficiently identify patients on the basis of the faults within their tumour is a key step in developing targeted cancer treatments. This will be particularly important in relation to rare cancer types, where the target gene faults may only be present in a relatively small number of patients making it more difficult to do research.

“Patients are the heart of this work, so I’d like to thank the thousands of them who have volunteered, as well as the donors who enable this vital work to take place, and the dedicated teams in the 21 hospitals and three genetics labs across the UK that make it happen every day.”

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For media enquiries, please contact the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 3469 8300 or, out of hours, 07050 264 059.

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Leading UK model agencies sign up to 'No Sunbed' policy

Friday 17 February 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Ahead of London Fashion Week, leading model agencies sign groundbreaking ‘No Sunbed’ policy agreement as part of Cancer Research UK’s R UV UGLY? campaign after warnings on health and appearance

Young girls and guys looking to become the next Kate Moss or David Gandy, are being urged to stay away from sunbeds. In a groundbreaking act of unity, the UK’s leading model agencies have committed to a ‘No Sunbed’ policy in conjunction with Cancer Research UK’s new campaign, R UV UGLY?, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of using sunbeds.

Directors of leading agencies, Storm, Elite, Next, Premier Model Management, Models 1, FM, Nevs, Oxygen, Union, First and D1 have all agreed to a zero tolerance policy on sunbed use for all models on their books or those wishing to join.

The ‘No Sunbed’ policy comes as a result of Cancer Research UK’s current R UV UGLY? campaign, which highlights the damage sunbeds can do to both appearance and health. This follows on from last year, when the charity worked with Nicola Roberts to help support new legislation in England and Wales preventing under 18s from using sunbeds.  

The move will ensure that any model who uses a sunbed will not be considered for representation by the agency.

Sarah Doukas, Managing Director of Storm Model Management, commented: “Storm Model Management is pleased to support Cancer Research UK’s R UV UGLY? campaign and the No Sunbed Policy for model agencies. Supporting this campaign makes perfect sense as the wellbeing of our models is of paramount importance and we take a serious approach to their health. 

"We do not advocate the use of sunbeds for any of our models, and recommend that they choose safer options if they require a tan - spray tans are easy to apply and can last a week.  It is well documented that UV from sunbeds can cause serious skin damage, especially in the under 35s.”

Michelangelo Chiacchio, the CEO of Elite Model Management London commented: “The welfare of our models is of the utmost importance to Elite Model Management; therefore we are very pleased to join forces with London’s leading model agencies and Cancer Research UK, to support a ‘No Sunbed’ policy. We hope that this will help to send out a strong message to young girls and guys, that sunbeds will have a negative impact on their appearance.

“We strive to support the health of our models and will never condone the use of sunbeds for any job; instead we will always try to arrange for a spray tan should it be necessary.”

Carole White, Co-Founder of Premier Model Management, echoed this view: "Premier Model Management is pleased to support Cancer Research UK's R UV UGLY? campaign and the 'No Sunbed’ policy for model agencies. We pride ourselves on taking care of our models’ welfare and strongly support the view that models should never use a sunbed. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all other leading model agencies and Cancer Research UK to say NO to sunbeds."

Using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by 75 per cent. 

Research has also shown that using a sunbed once a month or more could increase the risk of melanoma by more than 50 per cent. Melanoma incidence rates in Britain have more than quadrupled over the last 30 years. It is the second most common cancer amongst 15-34 year olds.

Chris Lunn, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re delighted that leading model agencies are backing our R UV UGLY? campaign.  Using sunbeds can make your skin coarse, leathery and wrinkly.  The UV rays from a sunbed can also damage the DNA in your skin.  Over time, this damage can build up and may lead to melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.  So, if you feel you must have a tan, it is safer to fake it.”  

Cancer Research UK has teamed up with sk:n for the R UV UGLY? campaign to offer the public ‘Two Free Skin Assessments’, that would normally cost £25 each, from now until the end of February 2012. By using the latest high-tech, specialist skin-scanning technology, the consultation will highlight the hidden damage lurking beneath the skin’s surface that is caused by overexposure to UV, both from sunbeds and the sun.

To book, call 0800 822 3037 quoting R UV UGLY?, text R UV UGLY? to 63757 (standard rates apply), or visit www.mepls.com/ruvugly

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Friends and family are encouraging youngsters to risk health for sunbed glow

Thursday 19 January 2012

Cancer Research UK Press Release

As the post-Christmas January blues take hold, young  people are risking damage to their health and appearance by using sunbeds on the recommendation of friends and family, according to a new survey by Cancer Research UK.

The poll of almost 3000 UK adults, was commissioned by the charity’s new SunSmart initiative R UV UGLY?. This poll found that of 176 sunbed users aged 18-24, 40 per cent received encouragement from friends, and 26 per cent received encouragement from a family member or partner when using a sunbed for the first time. The main reason these 18-24 year olds first used a sunbed was to improve their appearance (30 per cent chose this option).

Using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by 75 per cent. Over the last thirty years in Britain malignant melanoma incidence rates have more than quadrupled, and the disease is the second most common form of cancer in 15 -34 year olds.

Despite this, around one in four (26 per cent) of the survey’s sunbed users aged 18-24 said they weren’t  bothered by the serious health warnings around sunbed use. This could be because over half the people in this age group (53 per cent) believed that tanned skin has become more fashionable.

More than 60 per cent of sunbed users in the 18-24 year old group (62 per cent) admitted they first used a sunbed when they were 18 or under.

Following new legislation introduced last year banning under-18s from using sunbeds, this would now be illegal.

Chris Lunn, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said:  “It’s surprising to see that two thirds (66 per cent) of young sunbed users received encouragement from a friend, family member or partner when using a sunbed for the first time, despite the long-term health risks they pose.

“By highlighting the health risks, we hope people will become more aware that using sunbeds can increase the chances of developing skin cancer, and so discourage their friends and family from using them in future.

“We may all want to improve our appearance to help alleviate the mid-winter gloom, but sunbeds aren’t the answer.  As well as increasing your risk of skin cancer, you could be left with wrinkles, leathery skin and age spots.  If you must have a tan, faking it is the best option.”

The R UV UGLY? initiative sees Cancer Research UK team up with sk:n to offer free skin assessments at its 37 clinics nationwide, to raise awareness amongst Britons about the skin damage, premature ageing and health dangers of sunbed use.

Sk:n is offering exclusive ‘two for none’ skin assessments (usually £25 each) to encourage people to come along with a friend or family member to experience the scans for free.  The clinic will use specialist skin-scanning technology to highlight the hidden damage, such as dehydration and premature wrinkles, lurking beneath the skin’s surface caused by overexposure to UV, both from sunbeds and the sun.

Cancer Research UK's SunSmart R UV UGLY? campaign is offering free skin assessments at all UK sk:n clinics. To book call 0800 822 3037 quoting R UV UGLY?, text R UV UGLY? to 63757 (standard rates apply), or visit http://mepls.com/ruvugly.

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Scientists uncover reason for second cancers after targeted melanoma treatment

Thursday 19 January 2012

An international study has uncovered how secondary skin cancers sometimes develop in malignant melanoma patients who are treated with an experimental drug.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that it might be possible to prevent these extra cancers.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and more than 10,600 people are diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK.

Around half of these patients' cancers have faults in a gene called BRAF, and inhibitor drugs that target these cancers, such as vemurafenib (Zelboraf), have shown tremendous promise in trials.

But between 15 and 30 per cent of patients treated with BRAF inhibitors develop another, less serious form of skin cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma, which needs to be surgically removed.

The study, which involved Cancer Research UK-funded researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, looked at squamous cell carcinoma tissue taken from 21 malignant melanoma patients who had been treated with vemurafenib in a clinical trial.

It found that almost all of these samples had mutations in a second gene, known as Ras.

These Ras mutations are likely to have been caused by prior skin damage from sun exposure, explained author Dr Antoni Ribas, from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre in the US.

"What vemurafenib does is accelerate the appearance of these skin squamous cell cancers, as opposed to being the cause of the mutation that starts these cancers," he said.

"This is one of the very few times that we understand molecularly why a side effect to cancer treatment is happening. The side-effect in this case is caused by how the drug works in a different cellular setting. In one case it inhibits cancer growth, and in another it makes the malignant cells grow," he added

Professor Richard Marais from The Institute of Cancer Research, who worked on the study and was part of the team that initially linked BRAF mutations and cancer, said the results may enable more patients to benefit from the drug.

"By determining the mechanism by which these [secondary skin tumours] develop, we have been able to devise a strategy to prevent the second tumours without blocking the beneficial effects of the BRAF drugs," he said.

The researchers suggest that a second type of drug, called a MEK inhibitor, could be given alongside vemurafenib, and that this could prevent second cancers. This is now being tested in trials.

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's senior science information manager, said: "This research reveals a possible new approach to avoid the second cancers that affect some malignant melanoma patients taking BRAF inhibitors. The next stage will be to explore these results in more patients in clinical trials to see if this drug combination could treat the original cancer while preventing new cancers from forming."

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'Detox' immune cells linked to skin cancer development

Friday 6 January 2012

A study funded by Cancer Research UK has provided a surprising insight into the development of a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC.

Researchers based at the charity's London Research Institute and King's College London, working with colleagues at Yale University in the US, found that a supposedly beneficial immune cell appears, under some circumstances, to be involved in SCC development.

The cells, known as Langerhans cells, are widely thought to help protect the body from the disease by removing naturally occurring toxins from tissues.

However, the new research suggests the immune cells also have a darker side.

Skin cancers, including SCC, are caused by damage to DNA by various factors. Ultraviolet light is a major cause of DNA damage, but chemical carcinogens like tobacco smoke and industrial pollution also play a role.

Researchers studies mice that lacked Langerhans cells, and found they were completely resistant to DNA damage when exposed to synthetic toxins. As a result, the mice did not develop skin cancer.

The team then confirmed this finding in human tissues, finding the same effect as that seen in the mice. The research was published in the journal Science.

Professor Adrian Hayday, based both at King's College London and Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute, said the results of the research could influence the approach to treatments of certain types of cancer.

He said: "Langerhans cells may activate immunoprotective components of the immune system and so are often regarded as useful in preventing cancer.

"Here we have actually shown that the opposite is also true - they can also play a role in facilitating development of the disease.

"It is seldom recognised that Langerhans cells are primarily 'scavenging garbage collectors', that identify and try to break down harmful compounds.

"They successfully deal with natural toxins that we come into contact with all the time, such as many in food, but they cannot deal well with some common synthetic toxins from sources such as industrial air pollution.

"This study showed that when these cells attempt to process synthetic toxins, their role changes and their attempt to break down these toxins instead creates even more harmful carcinogenic products that spread to neighbouring cells.

Dr Safia Danovi, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "We're used to thinking that cancer arises from one rebel cell working alone, but this research challenges that view and shows that the immune system can sometimes trigger skin cancer when the skin is exposed to certain toxins.

"So although immune cells usually help protect us against diseases, the system isn't foolproof and things can go wrong. We need to study this glitch and perhaps, in the future, we'll be able to harness this knowledge to help cancer patients."

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Protein linked to spread of skin cancer

Tuesday 22 November 2011

An international team of researchers working together on both sides of the Atlantic have pinpointed a protein, called P-Rex1, that seems to play a key role in the spread of malignant melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer, according to a paper in Nature Communications.

The team, led by researchers from the Cancer Research UK-funded Beatson Institute of Cancer Research in Glasgow, were studying cells called melanoblasts - highly mobile cells involved in the early development of the skin.

Researchers believe that the way melanoblasts move around body tissues very similar to how melanoma cells spread. The major cause of death from melanoma is due to it spreading, or metastasising, from the initial tumour.

The discovery came when the team noticed that mice which lacked the gene that which makes the P-Rex1 protein, had skin cancers that did not spread.

Armed with this knowledge, the research team then tested human melanoma cells and tumour tissue and discovered raised levels of P-Rex1, suggesting that the protein was involved in the movement of the cells.

The discovery will give researchers a better understanding of how the cells work, which in turn enables them to better select a target for developing new treatments.

Researcher Channing Der, a member of the team based at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center the US, said: "We know that mutations in a gene called BRAF are important for the development of melanoma and several years ago we published a collaborative paper listing 82 proteins that seem to be affected by this genetic pathway. From that list, we focused on P-Rex1."

The BRAF gene was discovered to be involved in melanoma by Cancer Research UK scientists, and this year a drug - vemurafenib - was developed that targets melanomas in which the BRAF gene is defective. This is thought to be the case for around 80 per cent of patients.

The discovery that P-Rex1 is 'downstream' of BRAF - in other words, signals coming from BRAF need to 'pass through' P-Rex1 - is significant because it suggests that drugs that target P-Rex1 could - in theory - help the 20 per cent of people with melanoma whose cancer doesn't have a faulty BRAF gene.

Nell Barrie, senior science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Cancer is difficult to treat once it has spread, and research that helps us to understand how cancer cells travel around the body is helping scientists to target this process with new drugs. Studies like this give us more ammunition against melanoma and other types of cancer, but it's important to remember that it can take years to turn a discovery in the lab into a treatment for patients."

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Cancer Research UK launches nine high-tech gene projects

Friday 18 November 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Unravelling the genetic secrets behind a range of cancers - from understanding how certain genes control cancer to determining how the disease evades treatment - is the aim of a new initiative from Cancer Research UK.

The Genomics Initiative will use the latest high-tech gene sequencing machines to address specific research questions that until now were impossible to answer.

The latest sequencing technology allows researchers to scan all of the genes in a cancer – like reading an instruction manual for the disease – and identify each of the cancer causing faults a million times faster than the Human Genome Project ten years ago.

The genes involved in cancer not only cause the disease but also drive its changes between different forms, influence how aggressive it is and whether certain treatments will work.

Armed with this knowledge, the researchers will be able to piece together information that will tell them about people at greater risk of cancer, pick the right treatments for the disease and start developing new drugs.

The Genomics Initiative is being funded by Cancer Research UK’s Catalyst Club – a pioneering venture to raise £10 million for various research projects, including the Genomics Initiative, on personalised medicine for people with cancer.

One of the projects will look at rare types of skin cancer. The study, led by Professor Richard Marais at The Institute of Cancer Research, will look for the genes that make certain types of skin cancer more aggressive with the ultimate aim of improving treatments for patients with these rare forms of the disease.

Professor Marais said: “We urgently need new drugs to treat these rare but very aggressive forms of skin cancer. This project will let us build a bigger picture of the genes that are involved in the disease giving us an insight into the inner workings of skin cancer.”

Another project will attempt to understand why kidney cancer has unique genetic defects in different parts of the same tumour. This can result in a tumour biopsy not giving the full picture of what is going on in the cancer. Professor Charles Swanton, at Cancer Research UK’s London Research Institute, is trying to understand why this happens and hopes to find new markers that predict who will benefit from targeted treatments.

Professor Swanton said: “Attempts to identify markers to predict if patients with kidney cancer will respond to distinct targeted drugs have so far been unsuccessful. Our research is investigating whether this may result from the genetic variation within single tumours, such that an oncologist may not be able to fully trust the genomic information present in a single biopsy. We hope to be able to find markers for drug resistance that are common across multiple biopsies in the same tumour, that may guide the treating clinician to determine the right treatments are given to each patient."

The other seven projects are:

• Finding genes that put people at a higher risk of developing pre-cancerous growths called polyps and bowel cancer

• How follicular lymphoma transforms into the more aggressive B cell lymphoma

• Sequencing the genes in an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer

• Looking for the genes that affect how pancreatic cancer patients respond to treatment

• Identifying key genes in skin cancer in people with no family history

• Studying 1,000 women to find new genes linked to breast cancer

• Understanding how stem cells in leukaemia pick up new genetic faults

Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to launch the Genomics Initiative, which takes advantage of powerful new technologies to drive an exciting area of cancer research. We know that mistakes in genes are behind cancer, and they also drive how cancer act and respond to treatment. Understanding this better will bring real benefits for patients in the future, playing an essential role in the push towards personalised cancer treatment.”

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NHS faces huge cancer challenge as cases set to jump by 45 per cent

Friday 28 October 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

The NHS must start planning now to deal with a predicted leap of 45 per cent in the number of new cancer cases in the UK over the next two decades, Cancer Research UK warns today (Friday).

The number of cancer cases is projected to climb from around 298,000 in 2007 to around 432,000 by 2030 – an increase that, without planning, could threaten to overwhelm NHS resources.

Male cancer cases will see the biggest rise – by 55 per cent to over 230,000 in 2030 according to the Cancer Research UK study, published in the British Journal of Cancer.

The main reason for the rise in cancer cases is that people are getting older.

But the good news is that survival is on the increase - cancer survival rates have doubled over the last 40 years in the UK – a trend that is likely to continue.

Cancer cases among women are also forecast to increase by 35 per cent from around 149,000 in 2007 to over 200,000 in 2030.

Study author Professor Peter Sasieni, a Cancer Research UK epidemiologist based at Queen Mary, University of London, said: “Projections of cancer cases are important for planning health services so we can understand where the future burden is on the NHS and also where health awareness messages need to be raised.”

Prostate cancer is predicted to be one of the biggest risers over the 23-year period with over 25,000 more cases of the disease in 2030 compared to 2007. Cases will increase from around 36,000 in 2007 to over 61,000. This is mainly due to the ageing and growing population.1

While cancer cases are set to rise, cancer rates, adjusting for the growing and ageing population, remain broadly stable over the 23-year period at around 400 per 100,000 men per year and 350 per 100,000 women per year.2

Despite this, some individual cancers will see an increase in rates.

Over the next 20 years, some of the largest increases in cancer rates will be from oral, liver, malignant melanoma and kidney cancers – especially among men.

The rate of malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer - has the biggest projected increase, rising by a staggering 52 per cent for both men and women.

The rate of oral cancer in men is predicted to rise by 25 per cent from 10.9 per 100,000 men per year in 2007 to 13.6 per 100,000 in 2030. (Cases will rise by 75 per cent from around 3,600 to 6,300).

Male kidney cancer rates are estimated to rise by 28 per cent (cases will rise by 90 per cent from 5,145 to almost 10,000) while liver cancer rates in men are set to increase by 27 per cent by 2030 (cases will rise by 94 per cent from around 2,150 to almost 4,200).

In women, liver cancer rates are predicted to fall by two per cent, while kidney cancer rates will rise by 18 per cent over the next 23 years.

The study also predicted that the rate of breast cancer will decline by seven per cent from 120 cases per 100,000 women per year in 2007 to 111 cases per 100,000 in 2030.

The researchers said that most of the decline in the age group 55-64 is due to a significant reduction in the use of HRT in recent years. HRT is an important risk factor for breast cancer first identified in the 1980s.

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, said: “We’ve witnessed huge improvements in recent decades, with cancer survival doubling over the last 40 years. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress through investment in research into more effective radiotherapy, many new drugs and improved surgery.

"But it’s also important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, so we can spot it early. Generally, the earlier cancer is spotted the easier it is to treat successfully, so know what is normal for you and if you spot anything unusual, get it checked out by your doctor."

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “The NHS faces a perfect storm over the next 20 years. The main reason for the rising number of cases is simply that people are living longer - and the greatest risk factor for cancer is age.

“At a time when the finances of the health service are being squeezed, it is absolutely crucial that health commissioners plan now for a massive increase in demand for cancer services, to ensure we provide high quality care to all.

“And as we develop ever more sophisticated ways to detect and treat cancer successfully, health planners must deploy resources more effectively to enable all patients to benefit from the latest developments and cutting edge new treatments.”

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Scientists uncover how cancer stem cells are regulated in common skin cancer

Thursday 20 October 2011

Belgian scientists have discovered that a molecule already targeted by several cancer therapies may play a crucial role in a common form of skin cancer.

The work could spark research into new ways to prevent and treat the disease.

Previous studies suggest that squamous cell skin cancer, like several other types of cancer, contains cells known as cancer stem cells, which are able to continually grow and divide to sustain the growth of tumours.

Squamous cell skin carcinoma is the second-most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer, affecting approximately 10,000 people per year in the UK. Although not as serious as melanoma, it can still spread if left untreated.

The latest study, published in the journal Nature, looked at the activity of a molecule called VEGF in controlling cancer stem cells in the skin. VEGF is known to regulate the growth of new blood vessels - a process known as angiogenesis - by activating a second group of proteins, known as VEGF receptors (VEGFR).

Researchers have already developed several drugs that target this process in cancer patients, with the intention of cutting off the tumour's nutrient supply.

In this latest research in mice, the researchers blocked the activity of VEGF receptors by using an antibody, and found that this not only slowed down blood vessel growth, but also stopped skin cancer stem cells from growing, causing tumours to shrink.

The researchers followed this up by genetically removing VEGF from the skin cancer stem cells and found that this created a defect in their ability to multiply, also causing tumours to shrink.

Researcher Benjamin Beck said: "It was extremely exciting to see the complete disappearance of these tumours only two weeks after the treatment."

The study also found that a VEGF receptor called Neuropilin , or Nrp1, has a crucial role in controlling the growth of cancer stem cells and the formation and growth of tumours.

Oliver Childs, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "This is a great example of why high-quality laboratory work to understand the inner working of cancer cells is vital if we're to beat cancer.

"By uncovering a new way that VEGF works in squamous cell skin cancer, this study opens up the possibility of new ways to prevent and treat this cancer. There's a long way to go before any new treatment is available, but this kind of lab work is laying the foundation for tomorrow's cancer drugs."

Copyright Press Association 2011

• Image (c) Nature Publishing Group, used with permission; taken from Nature: News & Views, 2011

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Scientists discover three new gene faults which could increase melanoma risk by thirty per cent

Sunday 9 October 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered the first DNA faults linked to melanoma – the deadliest skin cancer – that are not related to hair, skin or eye colour, according to research published in Nature Genetics today.

The team at the University of Leeds, together with a team from the GenoMEL consortium, scanned the genes in blood samples from almost 3000 Europeans with melanoma, and compared these with samples taken from the general population.

Known risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair, a high number of moles, people who burn easily and those who have a family history.

Previous research by these and other scientists identified five pigmentation genes and three ‘mole formation’ genes, linked to melanoma risk. But the scientists have now discovered three new risk genes - not associated with pigmentation or moles.

Four per cent of the UK population, around 2.3m people, will carry two copies of all three gene faults (one copy inherited from each parent). The average risk of developing melanoma is about one in 60. This goes up to one in 46 if a person has both copies of all three gene faults.

Lead author, Professor Tim Bishop, based in the Cancer Research UK centre at the University of Leeds, said: “We know that overexposure to UV increases the risk of developing melanoma – but this evidence shows that there are new additional genetic faults which can push up the risk further.

“It’s fascinating to discover these new melanoma risk factors – and we expect that the results of similar studies underway will reveal even more.”

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information, said: “These intriguing results provide deeper understanding of the causes of melanoma and provide a potential new approach to identify people most at risk of developing melanoma and other cancers.”

One DNA fault was found in the region of a gene called MX2 linked to narcolepsy – a disease, thought to be triggered by the immune system, which causes people to fall asleep spontaneously.

Another fault was found in a gene called ATM involved in DNA repair – preventing cancer-causing mistakes being passed onto daughter cells.

The third gene fault was found in the CASP8 gene, which plays a role in controlling cell growth by triggering automatic cell death.

There are around 11,770 new cases of malignant melanoma diagnosed each year in the UK and these are mainly caused by overexposure to UV light. Almost one third of all cases of malignant melanoma occur in people under 55. Over the last twenty-five years, rates of malignant melanoma in Britain have risen faster than any of the most common cancers.

Dr Lesley Walker added: “Cancer Research UK has invested heavily in research to identify tiny DNA changes to paint an overall picture of which regions of DNA could be linked to cancer – and we hope that research like this will reveal further genetic secrets to help us diagnose and treat the disease.

“The best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer, is to protect yourself from strong sun by covering up with clothing, spending some time in the shade, and applying at least SPF 15 sunscreen with four or more stars generously and regularly.”

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Protein prompting cells to sprout legs could cause skin cancer to spread

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered that a protein called Rac1 prompts pigment cells to sprout long ‘legs’ that could propel skin cancer cells, allowing them to spread, according to research published in Developmental Cell today.

The team from Cancer Research UK’s Beatson Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Glasgow showed that when Rac1 is switched on in mice it signals healthy pigment cells, called melanoblasts, to grow legs and ‘travel’ during their early development. When Rac1 was ‘switched off’ the cells were only able to sprout short buds and had difficulty moving.

• Click for a larger version of this graphic

Melanoblast cells mature to develop into melanocytes – pigment-producing cells that define skin and hair colour. Melanocytes can form moles, or naevi, and if they contain genetic faults these cells can develop into melanomas – the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Immature melanoblasts move through the developing skin layers of an embryo to find the correct place to settle and grow. Once they have matured and anchored in position, they no longer travel.

But cancer cells sometimes mimic the characteristics of immature embryonic cells such as melanoblasts and ‘re-learn’ forgotten skills – such as the ability to move. Studying these immature cells helps scientists understand how cancer develops and spreads.

Lead author, Professor Laura Machesky at Cancer Research UK’s Beatson Institute, said: “We’ve discovered that a protein called Rac1 triggers the growth of long ‘legs’ which can propel cells during the early stages of skin development.

“But once cells have matured these ‘shape-shifting’ abilities are lost.

“Our study reveals fresh understanding of how melanoma cells could re-learn forgotten skills, such as being able to change shape, and use these abilities to break away from a tumour and move around the body.”

There are around 11,770 new cases of malignant melanoma diagnosed each year in the UK and it is mainly caused by over exposure to UV light. Almost one third of all cases of malignant melanoma occur in people under 55.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information, said: “Our scientists are carrying out pioneering work to understand the biology of skin cancer and to find new and better ways to treat the disease.

“Melanoma can be successfully treated if caught early, but can be deadly if it spreads to new areas.

“It’s critical to understand how this happens so we can develop drugs to block this process.”

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Contact allergies 'may be associated with reduced risk of some cancers'

Tuesday 12 July 2011

People with contact allergies to common metals and chemicals may be less likely to develop certain types of cancer, according to a study by Danish scientists.

However, the study only looked at retrospective data rather than actively tracking people's habits over time, so further studies are needed to clarify the apparent links between contact allergies and the risk of cancer.

The research was carried out by scientists at the National Allergy Research Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Scientists analysed data on 16,922 Danish adults, all of whom were tested between 1984 and 2008 to see whether they were allergic to any common contact allergens.

Thirty-five per cent of people reacted to at least one allergen, including 41 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men.

The researchers looked to see whether any of these individuals were recorded on the Danish Cancer Registry, which contains data on all instances of cancer in the country.

They found that 19 per cent of participants had developed a growth (cancerous or non-cancerous), and that 38 per cent of these individuals had a contact allergy.

Overall, the researchers found a strong link between contact allergies and cancer, though from this analysis alone, they were unable to say whether contact allergies were the direct cause of the reduced cancer risk.

Breast cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer were both significantly less common among people with contact allergies, and brain cancer was less likely to develop in women with an allergy.

The researchers suggest that the findings may be explained by the so-called 'immunosurveillance hypothesis', which states that people with allergies may be less likely to develop cancer because their immune systems are highly responsive.

In contrast, the researchers observed that people with contact allergies had an elevated risk of bladder cancer - a trend they believe may be due to higher levels of chemical break-down products in the bladder.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, cannot be used to draw conclusions about allergies and individual cancer risk - further research is needed.

Dr Caetano Reis e Sousa, a Cancer Research UK immunology expert, said: "This is an interesting study, but it doesn't tell people with allergies anything about their individual cancer risk. Firstly, the researchers only looked at a specific type of allergy, so this work doesn't apply to other common allergies such as hay fever. Secondly, the study only demonstrated a statistical link, not the actual cause of this relationship. So further work needs to be carried out before scientists can give solid reasons for these associations.

"Nevertheless, this work highlights the value of good quality databases to help scientists explore possible causes of cancer. It opens the door for further research looking at the role of the immune system in allergies and cancer."

The researchers said: "More refined analyses, adjusting for social class and smoking, for instance, and studies focusing on specific chemical exposures are required to further our understanding of the role of contact allergies in the development of cancer.

"However, if these relations are aetiological, there are implications for understanding how contact allergy can affect cancer development, and vice versa."

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Study reveals 16 to 30-year-olds are worst at skin cancer prevention

Tuesday 5 July 2011

People aged 16 to 30 years tend to have the poorest understanding of ways to avoid skin cancer and are more likely to get sunburnt than older age groups, new research shows.

The survey, which was presented at the annual conference of the British Association of Dermatologists, involved 1,000 adults who were questioned about their sun safety knowledge and behaviour while visiting their GP.

Researchers at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust and the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust found that 16 to 30-year-olds had the worst understanding of skin cancer prevention.

They were more likely to get sunburnt and less likely to avoid the midday sun than older age groups, with 17 per cent admitting that they never avoid the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.

More than half of 16 to 30-year-olds said they are exposed to sun on a daily basis, compared with 44 per cent of 31 to 45-year-olds.

And 19 per cent of younger people said that they burn more than once a year, compared with just three per cent of over-60s.

Overall, the findings indicate that 16 to 30-year-olds are the worst at protecting their skin in the sun, despite the fact that melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer - is the second most common cancer in this age group.

The survey also suggests that young people who have previously had skin cancer or have a family history of the disease are no less likely to avoid or cover up in the sun than people with no history of the disease.

Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery, from Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust Dermatology Department, said: "Our results indicate that younger patients are less likely to practise safe sun exposure. Furthermore, our results suggest that those with a personal or family history of skin cancer may not have received critical education on safe sun exposure from the medical profession.

"UK-based health awareness programmes should therefore particularly target younger age groups. In addition, healthcare professionals must ensure that opportunities are taken to reinforce the importance of safe sun exposure among patients."

Nina Goad, from the British Association of Dermatologists, described the findings as a "real worry".

She said: "We definitely need to look more at what will help encourage young people to adhere to anti-sunburn advice."

Dr Claire Knight, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "This research highlights the need for more efforts to encourage people to change their behaviour so they enjoy the sun safely and avoid sunburn whatever their age. Rates of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, have more than quadrupled in Britain in the last 30 years.

"But the good news is that most cases of melanoma could be prevented by avoiding overexposure to UV rays, from the sun or sunbeds. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, protect yourself from strong sun by covering up with clothing, spending some time in the shade, and applying at least SPF 15 sunscreen with 4 or more stars generously and regularly."

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New law protects under-18s from sunbed dangers

Friday 8 April 2011

New laws have come into force today (April 8th) which will prevent under-18s in England and Wales from using sunbeds, and punish businesses that fail to comply with the regulations.

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 is designed to protect under-18s from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is the main cause of skin cancer.

A study by Cancer Research UK shows that six per cent of 11 to 17-year-olds in England - including half of all 15 to 17-year-olds in Liverpool and Sunderland - use sunbeds to achieve a year-round tan.

According to the charity's SunSmart campaign, two people under the age of 35 are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer each day - and a proportion of these cases are thought to be linked to sunbed use.

Under the new regulations, under-18s are now banned from using tanning salons and sunbeds at beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms, hotels and other premises.

It is now illegal to offer an under-18 the use of a sunbed, and young people are no longer allowed in areas that are reserved for sunbed users.

Businesses that fail to comply with the regulations and allow under-18s to use sunbeds will face fines of up to £20,000, and local authorities will be responsible for inspecting businesses and enforcing the Act.

Public health minister Anne Milton said: "Cases of skin cancer continue to rise each year. This new law will go some way to help reduce one of the biggest cancers among 15 to 24-year-olds.

"My message to young sunbed users is clear: you are putting your health at risk. Intense bursts of UV radiation can cause damage to your skin, even after just one use."

Professor Dame Sally Davies, England's chief medical officer, revealed that about 100 deaths a year from skin cancer are thought to be the result of sunbed use.

She said: "Damage to the skin from artificial or natural sunlight can take years to develop and young people are particularly vulnerable, which is why I welcome this new law that protects the under-18s."

Cancer Research UK, which has just launched its annual SunSmart campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention, welcomed the new legislation.

Sarah Woolnough, the charity's director of policy, said: "As well as protecting under-18s from sunbed use, we hope the legislation sends a clear message to all that using a sunbed increases the risk of skin cancer. The World Health Organisation has classified sunbed use in its highest risk category for cancer, alongside tobacco.

"Skin cancer rates continue to rise rapidly, especially among under-35s as shown by our SunSmart campaign earlier this week, so we encourage people to take care in the sun and avoid using sunbeds. The safest way to get a tan is to fake it."

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Two young adults diagnosed with skin cancer every day

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Each day more than two people under 35 in Britain are diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer - according to new figures from Cancer Research UK.

The charity’s 2011 SunSmart campaign, launched today (Wednesday), reveals an alarming tripling in melanoma rates among British 15-34 year olds since the late seventies.

In the late seventies, there were around 290 cases of melanoma among 15-34 year-olds. Now more than 900 young Britons are being diagnosed with the disease each year - more than two a day.*

Thirty years ago, there were 1.8 cases of melanoma per 100,000 people in this age group. Now there are 5.9 cases per 100,000.

And the numbers continue to increase. Latest available figures show that the total number of cases of malignant melanoma for all ages increased from 10,800 in 2007 to 11,700 in 2008 – a rise of 8.5 per cent.

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, said: “It’s very worrying to see that the number of young adults being diagnosed with this potentially fatal disease has risen so dramatically, especially since cancer is typically a disease that affects older people.

“With summer approaching after such a harsh winter, everyone is looking forward to enjoying some sunshine. But it’s more important than ever to be aware of the dangers of getting sunburnt.

“Nor are sunbeds a safe alternative to tanning. In fact using a sunbed before the age of 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.

“Young women in particular need to take care since they are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than young men. The good news is that the majority of cases could be prevented by making sure you don’t get sunburnt.”**

Lindsey Coane, 27, an architectural assistant from Preston, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on her leg at just 21 while she was at university in Liverpool.

“I used sunbeds for six to nine minutes at a time every week for nearly two years while at university. I was really keen to have a tan and used to get sunburnt while on holiday with my friends. I’m convinced that both these things caused my malignant melanoma,” she said.

“I’m very lucky that the cancer was caught when it was. But a lot of skin and tissue still needed to be taken out of my leg, cutting through some of my nerves which left my leg partially numb.

“I had to learn to walk again and then run. The first event I took part in was Race for Life – it was such a big achievement for me. As far as I’m concerned now, pale skin is interesting.

“I am very fair and I only have to be in the sun for a few minutes to burn, which is why it was so silly of me to go on sunbeds.”

Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “While some sunshine is good for us, going red and burning can be dangerous.

“The most important thing people can do to reduce their chances of developing skin cancer is to make sure they don’t get red or burn. And the best way to do that is to get to know your skin and how long you can safely stay in the sun, and also avoid sunbeds.

“Sunburn means that UV rays have penetrated the skin cells causing damage which builds up over time and increases the risk of skin cancer.

“The explosion in melanoma rates we are seeing now reflects people’s tanning behaviour in the past and the desire to sport a suntan – a trend which began in the seventies with the dawn of cheap package holidays.

“But all too often holiday-makers thought getting sunburnt was part of the process of getting a tan.

“Everyone is different so know your skin type - if you are fair, freckly, have lots of moles or a family history of skin cancer then you need to take extra care in the sun.

“Our message is clear – enjoy the sun safely and protect yourself from sunburn.”

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Lab tests suggest arthritis drug could slow melanoma skin cancer growth

Wednesday 23 March 2011

In research published in Nature, an international team of scientists have shown that an existing rheumatoid arthritis drug can slow down the growth of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The research was done in zebrafish and mice.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Children's Hospital Boston in the US found that the drug leflunomide slowed down the growth of tumours over a short period of time.

Drs Grant Wheeler and Matt Tomlinson worked with their US collaborators to test more than 2,000 chemicals, to find ones that might halt the disease. The best candidate blocked a protein also known to be targeted by the drug leflunomide, commonly used to treat arthritis.

The researchers showed that a combination of leflunomide and a promising experimental melanoma therapy called PLX4032 was particularly effective at blocking tumour growth over 12 days.

PLX4032 is currently being tested in clinical trials and is designed to block a protein called BRAF, which was shown by Cancer Research UK scientists to be overactive in around half of all melanomas.

Dr Wheeler, from the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences, said: "This is a really exciting discovery - making use of an existing drug specifically to target melanoma.

"Deaths from melanoma skin cancer are increasing and there is a desperate need for new, more effective treatments. We are very optimistic that this research will lead to novel treatments for melanoma tumours which, working alongside other therapies, will help to stop them progressing."

But, Cancer Research UK-funded scientist Professor Richard Marais at The Institute of Cancer Research sounded a more cautious note. "This work represents a very interesting new experimental approach to melanoma, but obviously there's a long way to go before we can start using these sorts of combinations in patients. We need to do a lot more preclinical studies and a lot more studies in appropriate models."

Meanwhile, a second study in Nature, from the same US group that worked with the UEA team, has shed light on a molecule that appears to influence the growth of melanoma.

Again working with zebrafish, researchers led by Professor Leonard Zon, discovered that a histone-methylating enzyme called SETDB1 cooperates with BRAF faults in melanoma cells to significantly speed up the development of the disease.

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Scientists discover cause of rare skin cancer that heals itself

Sunday 27 February 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered the gene behind a rare skin cancer which grows rapidly for a few weeks before healing spontaneously, according to research published in Nature Genetics.

The scientists, based at the University of Dundee - part of an international collaboration reaching from Singapore to California - examined the DNA of more than 60 people with multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma (MSSE) and 110 of their unaffected relatives. They discovered that the disease was caused by faults in a gene called TGFBR1.

The TGFBR1 gene makes a receptor protein through which healthy cells receive messages from their neighbours, instructing them to carry out jobs essential to growth and development.

But cells from a range of cancer types interpret the ‘instructions’ transmitted by TGFBR1 in two completely different ways, depending on the maturity of the tumour.

TGFBR1 initially acts as a ‘brake’ preventing the growth of early tumours of various types. But when cancers become more advanced and aggressive, their cells undergo a ‘signalling switch’. Cancer cells interpret the same messages from TGFBR1 differently. In more advanced cancers, TGFBR1 promotes tumour growth and spread instead.

The reverse happens in the self-healing tumours which have an inherited fault in the TGFBR1 gene. Patients with faulty TGFBR1 develop lots of small tumours – but at some point there is a ‘switch’ in behaviour and the tumours lacking TGFBR1 heal themselves. Scientists do not yet understand how this happens.

Dr David Goudie, Cancer Research UK scientist in the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing at the University of Dundee, said: “The unusual behaviour of this tumour has baffled scientists for about 40 years so we’re excited to have discovered the genetic faults that cause the disease.

“The gene we’ve identified controls part of a cell signalling pathway which is faulty in many cancers. We hope that by shedding light on how one rare cancer manages to heal itself we’ll understand more about what goes wrong in other types of tumours.

“There’s also a lot of interest in drugs that target these signals. Understanding how tumours that lack TGFBR1 behave will help us to predict the clinical effects of these drugs.”

MSSE is very rare. Only a handful of new cases are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information, Cancer Research UK, said:
“This intriguing research provides an important insight into the various ways that cellular machinery can get messed up - which can then cause different types of cancer.

“This finding adds to thousands of discoveries being made by our world-class scientists every year. The pace of progress in cancer research is accelerating every year – enabling us to develop better ways to detect, monitor and treat the disease. This piece of research is another step - moving ever closer to our vision of beating cancer.”

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NICE issues new guidance on preventing skin cancer

Thursday 27 January 2011

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published new guidelines to help the NHS, local authorities and other organisations in their work to prevent skin cancer.

The guidelines say that some sun exposure is important, as it allows people to make vitamin D as well as providing an opportunity to be physically active.

But too much exposure to UV light is known to increase the risk of skin cancer.

Professor Mike Kelly, director of the institute's Centre for Public Health Excellence, revealed that about 100,000 people each year are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer and over 10,000 with malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

He explained: "Through this guidance we hope to raise awareness of the risks of UV exposure and help people to protect themselves and others.

"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."

The guidance contains simple and practical recommendations for preventing over-exposure to the sun.

For instance, developers should attempt to create shaded areas around buildings, while schools should encourage children to use sunscreen and stay in the shade during breaks.

Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said that avoiding sunburn is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

"Many of us like to make the most of the UK's rare sunny days and should be able to enjoy the sun safely.

"If we all make sure that our skin doesn't redden or burn in the sun, it could help to reduce the rocketing number of people who develop skin cancer every year. And that's the aim of Cancer Research UK's annual SunSmart campaign."

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Experimental melanoma drug shows promise in phase-III trial

Thursday 20 January 2011

Early results from a phase-III clinical trial of a new drug for advanced melanoma skin cancer indicate that it may help to improve survival.

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can be difficult to treat once it has spread.

RG7204 (also known as PLX4032) is a new, as-yet-unlicensed drug designed to target cancer cells with faults in a gene called BRAF. About half of all melanomas have these faults, which encourage the cancer cells to grow and spread. The drug blocks this process, helping to shrink the tumours.

A research team at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust have now completed a phase-III study comparing RG7204 with standard chemotherapy treatment. The early results show that patients treated with RG7204 survived for longer, and the new drug was better at slowing the growth of melanoma.

These results were so promising that all trial participants who were previously taking standard chemotherapy have now been offered treatment with the new pill instead.

However, the drug is not yet licensed and is currently only available to patients involved in clinical trials. Results from the trial will be presented at a major medical conference later this year.

Lead researcher Dr James Larkin, from the Royal Marsden, described the results as "an incredibly exciting breakthrough".

He said: "Malignant melanoma is a very difficult disease to treat and with a growing incidence in younger people the results of this phase-III trial are very encouraging."

Professor Richard Marais, whose work at The Institute of Cancer Research demonstrated the importance of BRAF in melanoma, added: "These results represent a paradigm shift in melanoma treatment and will change how we approach treatment of this disease."

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK's director of cancer information, said: "There are very few options for patients with advanced melanoma, so these results are really encouraging. The drug is not yet licensed and unavailable to patients not on a clinical trial, but we hope that these results will change this situation very rapidly."

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Faulty gene behind skin cancer also triggers spread

Thursday 6 January 2011

Cancer Research UK Press Release

CANCER RESEARCH UK-funded scientists have discovered that skin cancer can spread to the lungs when a gene in an important cell communication pathway is blocked. The research is published in Cancer Cell.

Scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) showed that in human cancer cells and mice, a gene called BRAF - which is damaged in about half of all skin cancer cases - triggers a cell signalling pathway that ultimately ‘blocks the instructions’ from a second gene called PDE5A.

In healthy cells PDE5A acts as a brake to stop cell movement. But in cancer cells, BRAF turns PDE5A’s signals off, removing its ability to block cancer spread.

By blocking the activity of PDE5A, BRAF drives skin cancer cells to invade new tissues and spread further around the body, converting skin cancer into a more aggressive disease.

The team showed that when faulty BRAF blocked PDE5A, the skin cancer cells spread more easily to the lungs.

Lead study author, Professor Richard Marais, said: “This research further puts the focus on BRAF as an important target for therapy to prevent the spread of skin cancer.

“Our findings support recent studies into experimental BRAF-targeting drugs, which are showing great promise in patients with melanoma cells with a damaged BRAF gene, but not in patients whose melanomas do not have this alteration. This highlights the importance of personalising medicine to achieve effective treatments for cancer.”

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “These new findings reveal more of the complex web of signals that drive the development of tumours that have the ability to grow, survive and spread to new locations.

“Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and more than 2,000 people die from the disease each year. Even more worrying is the fact that rates of melanoma are rising.

“There are definite signs when a mole is suspicious and should be seen by a doctor. If you have a mole that is getting bigger, changing shape or colour, is itchy or painful, bleeding or inflamed you should go to the doctor straight away.”

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Joint position statement issued to provide vitamin D clarity

Thursday 16 December 2010

Cancer Research UK has joined with the British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society to issue a joint position statement on vitamin D.

• Download the statement here

While it has a number of known benefits, there are still a number of unanswered questions associated with the vitamin.

These include what levels count as "sufficient" or "optimal" and whether vitamin D can help to protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other chronic diseases.

Furthermore, the fact that the sun's rays are people's main source of vitamin D raises questions about the trade-off between under- and overexposure, with the former linked - through vitamin D deficiency - to bone conditions such as rickets in children, and the latter to skin cancer, including melanoma.

As a result, the organisations have presented their unified views in an attempt to provide clarity.

The statement emphasises that while vitamin D is essential for good bone health, the evidence which suggests it can protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other chronic diseases is still inconclusive.

Meanwhile, it is stressed that a standard definition of an 'optimal' level of vitamin D has yet to be established, and that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer to the sun exposure question.

Instead, people are urged to enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.

Finally, dietary modifications are recommended during winter time to boost vitamin D levels, although food fortification or widespread vitamin D supplementation for the general population is not advocated at this stage due to a lack of evidence about effectiveness and possible harms.

Ed Yong, head of health information and evidence at Cancer Research UK, said: "This joint consensus statement brings together the latest evidence on vitamin D.

"In representing the unified views of many different organisations, we hope to provide some clarity around this important but controversial issue. It is encouraging that our stance agrees with that of other international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation and the US Institute of Medicine.

"Avoiding sunburn still remains the most important thing people can do to protect themselves against developing skin cancer.

"While some sunshine is good for us and vitamin D is important for good bone health, the evidence suggesting that vitamin D protects against other disease such as cancer or heart disease is inconclusive.

"By enjoying the sun safely, people can make enough vitamin D without increasing their risk of skin cancer."

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Deprived cancer patients face fatal health problems

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

CANCER patients from deprived backgrounds are more likely to develop life-threatening health problems, research published today (Wednesday) in the British Journal of Cancer* shows.

The study** found that less affluent patients are 50 per cent more likely to develop at least one serious illness like heart disease, tuberculosis, dementia or diabetes, which could reduce their chance of recovering from cancer.

The research looked at over 72,000 patients with 14 different types of cancer*** between 1997 and 2006. The results showed that the likelihood of one-year survival for poorer patients was significantly worse than those who were well-off.

Scientists claimed this was the first large study to show how a cancer patient's background affected their chances of developing other illnesses and could impact their survival.

Dr Marieke WJ Louwman, one of the study authors based at the Eindhoven Cancer Registry in The Netherlands, said: "Remarkably, we found that additional health disorders were common in patients from a lower socioeconomic background for every cancer type."

The study outlined possible explanations for increased health problems among poorer cancer patients. Previous research has shown that smoking is a likely cause for the higher risk of heart disease.

This was confirmed by the high number of cases of the disease among patients with smoking-related cancers like lung, stomach, bladder and kidney.

Cancers like pancreatic, breast, womb and bowel have been linked to diabetes which can be triggered by obesity. Previous evidence has shown that obesity is more common among those from a low socioeconomic background.

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "It's worrying to see that survival is considerably worse for deprived patients - this research stresses the need to close the gap between rich and poor in health.

"The results of this study suggest that the causes of the types of cancer and the health problems common among poorer cancer patients are likely to be down to lifestyle.

"More work needs to be done to raise awareness in economically-deprived areas about the risks of smoking and obesity and the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise."

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Half of Brits got sunburnt this year and many would do it again

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

A NEW survey released today (Wednesday 1 September) reveals almost half of Brits (46 per cent) got sunburnt this year. Of those who got burnt, a third (32 per cent) admitted their motivation was to get a tan. And half of those who burnt whilst trying to get a tan would risk burning again next year.

The research – commissioned by Superdrug and Cancer Research UK as part of their joint campaign to encourage people to enjoy the sun safely this summer – highlights the worrying lengths sun-seeking Brits are prepared to go to in search of a tan.

Far from being a small price to pay for a tan, sunburn is a sign that your skin cells have been seriously damaged by too much sun. It is this damage that can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Even the unpleasant short term side-effects of sunburn – such as red, peeling or blistering skin – haven’t put people off their search for the perfect tan. In fact, 34 per cent of those who admitted to getting sunburnt this year whilst trying to get a tan said that while they would be ‘a bit more careful’ next year, they would still be prepared to risk sunburn for a tan. And of those who got sunburnt, 39 per cent said they burned every year.

The most common place that people got burnt this year was on their face, with 40 per cent admitting they were left red-faced after spending too long in the sun. Getting too much sun can cause premature ageing, making skin look old and leathery before its time – which is surprising because many people seek a tan because they think it will make them look good. This was followed by arms (39 per cent), shoulders (37 per cent) and neck (36 per cent).

Martin Crisp, Superdrug superintendant pharmacist, said: “What’s particularly concerning is that people are setting out with the specific aim of getting sunburn because they see it as part of getting a tan. What they aren’t realising is that there is more going on in the skin than what you see on the surface and, while the sunburn and tan may fade, the damage does not. Put simply, the more time people spend in the sun, the more damage they are doing to their skin, and they should seriously ask themselves whether it’s a risk they’re prepared to take.”

The results also show that two in three people got sunburnt when they were not even trying to get a tan. 41 per cent of these said they didn’t realise the sun was strong enough to burn, while around a third admitted they didn’t take any steps to protect their skin.

Ed Yong, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, says, “Sunburn is a clear sign that your skin has been damaged in ways that can lead to skin cancer, a disease that’s affecting more and more people in the UK. While it’s important to enjoy the sun safely to get enough vitamin D, there are risks involved in long exposures. And these results indicate that people aren’t taking these risks seriously enough. Getting painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Whether at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself.”

More than 10,300 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the UK every year, and almost 2,000 people die from it. Anyone can develop skin cancer but some people have a higher risk including those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer. Over the last twenty-five years, rates of malignant melanoma in Britain have risen faster than any other common cancer.

That is why Superdrug and Cancer Research UK are working together to encourage people to get to know their skin and how it normally reacts in the sun so they can protect themselves against sunburn. The message is simple – don’t let sunburn catch you out. Use shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen – the higher the better - applied generously and regularly to protect your skin.

With the British weather looking like it is on the up for the next week at least, Superdrug stores across the country are providing information and advice to customers about sun safety, The 200+ pharmacy stores will also be offering free sunscreen consultations showing how to apply sunscreen correctly. Stores have also been fundraising for Cancer Research UK as part of their summer campaign to raise awareness of the importance of being safe in the sun, and helping to fund vital research into skin cancer. Last weekend’s theme was Summer Fun & Sun in the outdoors, and was the fifth of six themed fundraising weekends held at stores this summer.

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David Boreanaz's 'Angel' beats Robert Pattinson's 'Edward' as sexiest screen vampire

Thursday 15 July 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Robert Pattinson has been beaten to the title of sexiest screen vampire in a new poll released today. David Boreanaz, who plays Angel in the Buffy and Angel series topped the poll (12 per cent), with Brad Pitt as Louis de Pointe du Lac in Interview with a Vampire (11 per cent) coming in second, followed by Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in the Twilight series in third (10 per cent). The results may come as a surprise as vampire-mania sweeps across the UK with the recent launch of Twilight Eclipse.

The research, a YouGov survey of 1,173 women across the UK commissioned by Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign, also shows that you don’t have to be tanned to be sexy. Less than one percent of the women surveyed chose ‘sun tanned skin’ as the sexiest feature in a man, turning typical attitudes about what makes someone sexy upside down.

Since the 1920s, having a tan has been seen as sexy and desirable. But these results show pale and interesting is making a comeback. In fact, almost nine out of ten people surveyed (89 per cent) agreed that you do not have to be tanned to be sexy. When quizzed, less than one percent of the women said they thought suntanned skin was the sexiest feature in a man. More than a third (37 per cent) selected nice eyes, followed by 28 per cent selecting a nice smile. A cheeky five per cent selected a pert bum as the sexiest feature in men.

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart manager said: “Vampire-mania has definitely hit the UK, and the stars are helping to bust the myth that you have to be tanned to be sexy. Cool skin has never been hotter!

“Unlike vampires, we all need a bit of sun to help keep us healthy, but the key is to know how to enjoy it safely. It’s easy to end up with sunburn in an attempt to be tanned. Sunburn is a sign that skin has been damaged by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or sunbeds, and increases the risk of skin cancer.

“Get to know your skin and how it normally reacts in the sun. This will help you to work out what you need to do to make sure you don’t get sunburnt.”

Anyone can develop skin cancer but some people have a higher risk including those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign visit www.sunsmart.org.uk

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Fashion conscious Brits think wearing socks & sandals is more of a summer fashion faux pas than sunburn

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Cancer Research UK and ASOS team up for summer campaign to combat crimes against fashion and dangerous sunburn.

FASHION-LOVING Brits have denounced ‘socks and sandals’ as the ultimate summer fashion faux pas, in a poll released today (13th July) to celebrate the launch of ‘Fashion Forecast’ from Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign and fashion retailer ASOS.com, which provides tailored online fashion advice to help people be stylish while avoiding sunburn this summer.

For the majority of people, it seems there is no greater crime against summer fashion than wearing socks and sandals, with a third of people (33 per cent) sticking by the cardinal fashion rule as a combination to avoid at all costs. But the look – recently given a chance of revival by style icons Kate Moss and Chloe Sevigny – has got some fans, with one in 10 owning up to having ever sported the long out-of-favour look for themselves. The dreaded ‘muffin top’ – a result of wearing trousers too tight so that skin bulges over the top – claimed second place, with almost a quarter of the vote (24 per cent).

While showing us which looks to completely avoid this summer, the light-hearted survey has a serious message behind it. Only four per cent of people said sunburn (which often results in red, painful blistering or unsightly peeling skin), is the biggest summer fashion faux pas, suggesting a worrying acceptance of unhealthy sunburn and tan lines as a fashion norm.

To help people avoid making these and other unnecessary fashion faux pas this summer, Cancer Research UK has teamed up ASOS.com to create Fashion Forecast, which provides up to the minute expert style advice for any occasion. Not only does it give all the style direction you could possibly need, but Fashion Forecast also has a range of versatile looks to help people work their wardrobe with all style and no sunburn this summer.

Caroline Cerny, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s been fun to see which looks are a definite no-no in the summer style stakes. And, while it may seem predictable to see the likes of socks and sandals topping the list, it’s worrying to see that sunburn and tan lines rank so low. It makes you wonder whether the nation might have become immune to seeing people with red or peeling skin, and that’s a real concern when skin cancer rates are constantly on the increase.

With so many people seeming to accept sunburnt skin as a summer fashion accessory, it is perhaps no surprise that over two thirds (34 per cent) admit to having ever sported the potentially dangerous sunburnt look for themselves, with that figure rising to almost half among people aged 18-34 years (44 per cent). This is particularly worrying as getting sunburn is a sign that the skin cells have been damaged and increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer in later life.

Cerny added: "Who says it can’t it be all style and no sunburn? Why can’t you do both? There are a few simple things that people can do to protect themselves this summer, including spending some time in the shade between 11 and 3, when the sun is at its strongest, and applying at least factor 15 sunscreen when there’s a chance of sunburn. Using clothes to cover up is another great way to protect skin from too much UV, and that’s why we’re working together with ASOS to show how easy it can be to be SunSmart and stylish at the same time.”

The poll also showed that though female celebrities such as Cheryl Cole and Beyonce have been spotted wearing this summer’s short shorts in their usual stylish manner, the same cannot be said for men. Cristiano Ronaldo might think he rocks the tiny shorts look, but even his footballer’s body failed to persuade the nation, with 10 per cent giving the revealing look the biggest thumbs down.

Despite Katy Perry’s memorable revamp of Russell Brand’s favourite team’s kit earlier this year, wearing a football shirt on a night out is still deemed the biggest summer fashion faux pas by almost one in ten respondents (9 per cent).

Terri Westlake, head of media at ASOS, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Cancer Research UK to promote the positive message for young people that looking good and staying safe from the sun are two things that can go together hand in hand. The stylish cover-ups and hats you’ll find on Fashion Forecast all offer great protection from the sun and mean that we can all enjoy the weather in style.”

To try out Fashion Forecast for yourself, visit www.ASOS.com/fashionforecast. Simply select the kind of occasion, weather and skin type, based on the options provided, and it will suggest fashion-forward outfits for looking good and staying safe in the sun.

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Teenagers get sunburnt on purpose

Tuesday 6 July 2010

More than a quarter of teenagers will get sunburnt on purpose this summer in the belief that they will ultimately get a suntan, a survey has found.

The Teenage Cancer Trust discovered that 26 per cent of young people, aged 13 to 19, plan to get sunburnt on purpose this year.

Almost a third of respondents said they never used sun cream in the UK and 55 per cent wrongly thought the British sun was not as harmful as overseas.

More than one-fifth admitted they had been badly burnt after falling asleep in the sun and 74 per cent were under the impression that they would never get burnt on a cloudy day.

The shoulders are the most common area of skin to be burnt (47 per cent of teenagers), while the arms and nose are the next most frequently burned.

However, a fifth revealed that they put sun cream on to attract attention from the opposite sex and 16 per cent said they had asked someone to apply sun cream on hard-to-reach places as a chat-up line.

Simon Davies, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "We've found that young people display a worrying lack of awareness when it comes to protecting their skin from the sun.

"We are trying to educate them to prevent the overexposure to sun whilst young, which can lead to problems with skin cancer later in life."

The charity has launched its sun safety campaign, Shunburn, which asks young people to 'love the sun, respect your skin'.

Mr Davies said: "If we can stop just one young person from developing skin cancer when they are older, then this year's Shunburn campaign will have been worth it."

Ed Yong, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "It's worrying that so many teenagers are prepared to go through the pain and discomfort of sunburn for the sake of a tan.

"Sunburn is basically a radiation burn. It means that the DNA in your skin has been damaged by the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Even after the sunburn fades, this damage can remain and greatly increase the risk of skin cancer later on in life. People with fair skin who burn easily but tan with difficulty should take particular care to avoid sunburn."

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NICE updates skin cancer guidance

Wednesday 2 June 2010

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has updated its recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of 'low risk' basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

GPs had raised concerns about the implementation of the institute's previous guidance in relation to the removal of 'low risk' tumours and the commissioning of services for skin cancer patients.

NICE announced a formal review of the recommendations in July 2009. The results of this review, by an expert group, mean that small skin cancers that are unlikely to spread can be removed by a GP rather than a specialist skin cancer surgeon, as long as the doctor has received appropriate and up-to-date training.

The institute's updated recommendation emphasises that primary care trusts (PCTs) or local health boards (LHBs) should ensure that all GPs who diagnose, manage and remove low-risk BCCs are fully accredited to do so.

GPs who treat BCCs must undergo continuous training in the diagnosis and management of skin lesions to maintain their accreditation, which should be performed locally by PCTs or LHBs.

Dr Fergus Macbeth, director of the NICE Centre for Clinical Practice, said that the institute had responded to doctors' concerns.

"BCC is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with an average of 48,000 new cases registered each year. However, because it is not fatal, its importance can be underappreciated," he claimed.

"It is vital that patients are accurately diagnosed, receive appropriate treatment and avoid unnecessary or incomplete surgery. We hope this updated guidance will ensure that patients get the care they need in the most appropriate setting."

Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, described the updated guidance as a "major step forward" for patients with skin cancer.

"Many patients will prefer to have minor surgery at their GP practice rather than going to hospital and the guidance acknowledges the important role of GPs in carrying out this treatment. But GPs are not expected to have expertise in this area so it is vital that we have a defined and consistent framework for referral when necessary," he explained.

"We are pleased that NICE has listened to the concerns of GPs and made the necessary adjustments that should now enable all healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers to deliver a better deal for patients."

Hilary Tovey, Cancer Research UK's policy manager, said: "Cancer Research UK welcomes this update from NICE. In particular we welcome the emphasis in this guidance on ensuring that GPs performing this type of minor surgery are appropriately accredited and trained to do so.

"It will also be important to ensure that these doctors feel adequately equipped and supported to perform these procedures, and that patients are aware of their rights if they have questions or concerns about the treatment that is being offered to them."

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Young music fans get chance to create their own dream gig

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Young music fans and aspiring artists are being given the chance to win and curate their very own exclusive gig – complete with the chance to pick its line-up and location – as part of skindividual, the bold online music initiative from Cancer Research UK.

The skindividual competition from SunSmart, the charity’s skin cancer awareness programme, will task music lovers with dreaming up the most creative gig idea that links live music with a message to young people about not getting caught out by sunburn.

The best idea will be turned into reality this summer.. Electropop, indie, hip hop or RnB - it’s completely your call. Not only will the winner get the chance to create and host their own event, but they could also find themselves performing at it too.

The winner will be assigned their own team of live music experts – including artist booking agents, gig promoters and web designers – to help them turn their vision into reality. They will also be given access to some of the best brains in the music industry, such as NME editor Krissi Murison, Radio 1 Xtra presenter Max Akhtar, Bestival director Ben Turner, Jason Legg, Head of Live music at HMV, Rockness festival director Jim King, Ben Fender, MD of top event producers Drive Productions, and Sophie Epstone, founder of music and fashion youth cancer charity Trekstock.

The skindividual initiative aims to encourage young people to protect their skin from sunburn this summer. The competition has been launched in response to rising rates of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, among young people in the UK. Rates of malignant melanoma have more than doubled among young people in the past 20 years, and it is now the most common form of cancer in Britain among 15-34 year olds.

This year’s skindividual competition will build on last year’s success, when budding teen musician Kate McGill won a chance to share the stage with her idols Ladyhawke, New Young Pony Club and Bombay Bicycle Club during a private gig for her social network at Relentless Garage in Islington. skindividual 2009 helped spread the messages about the dangers of sunburn and too much UV. The competition evaluation showed positive trends in awareness of skin cancer and the importance of sun protection among young people.

Kate McGill said: “Last year’s event was awesome. I got to play alongside my music heroes and raise awareness of a really important issue that people our age tend to wash over.”

Jason Legg, Head of HMV Live added: “skindividual is a brilliant opportunity for breakthrough bands and budding festival organisers to show off their talent, passion and determination. So this is your time to show off and get involved.”

Young hopefuls will be given until 11th June to spell out in roughly 100 words their vision for the ultimate gig, including their ideas on how to make the skindividual concept a central theme, via a dedicated website www.skindividual.co.uk.

A high profile panel of top music industry experts will shortlist the ten best gig creators, who will then be tasked with making a short youtube film to promote their gig. The film that gets the greatest number of views will win the top prize.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact the press office on 020 7061 8300 or, out-of-hours, the duty press officer on 07050 264 059.

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Men's skin cancer death rates double in last 30 years

Monday 31 May 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

The rates of men dying from malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – have doubled in the last 30 years, according to the latest Cancer Research UK figures published today.

In the late 70s fewer than 400 (1.5 per 100,000) men died from melanoma but now more than 1100 (3.1 per 100,000) men are dying from the disease1.

Experts are concerned because this sharp rise in death rates from malignant melanoma is due to so many more men developing what is largely a preventable disease.

The figures also reveal that death rates in men over 65 have risen shockingly from 4.5 per 100,000 to 15.2 per 100,000 since the late 70s.

More women are diagnosed2 with malignant melanoma but more men are dying from it and in comparison death rates for women have risen more slowly from 1.5 per 100,000 to 2.2 per 100,000 since the late 1970s.

Male malignant melanoma incidence rates are now more than 5 times higher than they were 30 years ago – rising from 2.7 per 100,000 to 14.6 per 100,0003.

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart programme provides evidence-based information about skin cancer and sun protection to help people enjoy the sun safely and avoid sunburn.

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart manager, said: "These figures show that a worryingly high number of men are dying unnecessarily from malignant melanoma because of the rapidly rising numbers diagnosed with the disease. Preventing the disease developing in the first place will help stop this trend and save lives

"To curb this huge rise in deaths from malignant melanoma it's more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of too much sun. Too often men leave it up to their partners or mothers to remind them to use sunscreen or cover up with a shirt and hat and even to visit the doctor about a worrying mole.

“And even though more women are diagnosed with the disease, more men die from it. This suggests that men are either not aware of skin cancer symptoms or are ignoring them and putting off going to see their GP. It’s crucial that people go to their doctor as soon as they notice any unusual changes to their skin or moles – the earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it will be to treat.”

Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow said: "The rise in skin cancer deaths among men is worrying and highlights how important it is for everyone to protect themselves from overexposure to sun. Seeing many people with sunburn from the recent sunny weather is a reminder of how easy it is to damage your skin.

"We should all keep a careful eye on our skin. Shrugging off any changes in a mole’s appearance could put your life at risk. Always see your GP as soon as possible if you have concerns. When skin cancer is caught early treatment is more likely to be successful, and fast action could stop the significant rise we've seen in the number of deaths."

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For media enquiries please contact the press office on 020 7061 8300 or, out-of-hours, the duty press officer on 07050 264 059.

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Focus on appearance may reduce sunbed usage

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Information about the harm sunbeds can do to young people's appearance could make them less inclined to use the tanning devices, US scientists have found.

Researchers at Northwestern University and East Tennessee State University studied 430 adult females, all of whom used sunbeds.

Of these, 200 were given a booklet containing information about the history and socio-cultural context of tanning; details of the potentially damaging effects on the skin; recommendations for reducing sunbed use; and healthier options such as using fake tanning products or exercising to enhance appearance.

The remaining 230 participants did not receive the booklet.

Participants were assessed after six months and the researchers found that women who had received the booklet tended to reduce their tanning behaviour.

This was even true among women who had pathological tanning motives, such as the feeling that their natural skin tone was unattractive or the feeling that their tanning was out of control.

The researchers suggested that tanners with pathological motives may also care about the impact of indoor tanning on their appearance.

Furthermore, they believe the booklet may have an effect on people who use sunbeds to relax or relieve stress, as the information could make them feel more anxious about indoor tanning and therefore less likely to use the machines.

Caroline Cerny, SunSmart manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "We know that many people who use sunbeds report that having a tan makes them feel more attractive. The irony is that the damage caused by sunbeds causes premature ageing of the skin, making it look worse in the long term, as well as increasing their risk of skin cancer. It's interesting to see that emphasising this can encourage young people to reduce their sunbed use."

Writing in the Archives of Dermatology, the study authors observed: "Providing young patients who tan with information on the damaging effects of tanning on their appearance is effective, even if they are addicted to tanning or using it to ameliorate depression symptoms.

"Emphasising the appearance-damaging effects of UV light, both indoor and outdoor, to young patients who are tanning is important no matter what their pathological tanning behaviour status."

Senior author June Robinson, professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explained: "They're not worried about skin cancer, but they are worried about getting wrinkled and being unattractive.

"The fear of looking horrible trumped everything else. It was the most persuasive intervention, regardless of why they were going to tan."

Lead author Joel Hillhouse, professor of community health at East Tennessee State University, advised: "Don't focus on skin cancer. The message that will get young women's attention is indoor tanning's long-term effect on their appearance. That will wake them up and get them to think about this."

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Slapdash Slatherers increase risk of dangerous sunburn

Thursday 29 April 2010

Cancer Research UK Press Release

Nearly nine out of ten people (87 per cent) could be risking dangerous levels of skin damage, which can lead to skin cancer, because they are either not using the right amount of sunscreen, not sure of the amount they use or are not using any at all – according to a new survey by Superdrug and Cancer Research UK.

The survey of 2,140 people across the UK has revealed that we are a country of Slapdash Slatherers who don’t put on enough sunscreen or reapply it often enough. Not using sunscreen correctly in these ways can result in sunburn, a sign that the skin’s DNA has been damaged, in ways that can lead to skin cancer.

Just over one in ten people (13 per cent) knew that they used the recommended two tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their entire body, whilst wearing a swimsuit or trunks. A fifth (20 per cent), admit they don’t use any sunscreen at all.

What’s more, it seems people are confused about how often they should be reapplying sunscreen when the sun is strong – both in the UK and abroad. When holidaying abroad, almost half (49 per cent) of people who wear sunscreen don’t reapply it at least every two hours – the recommended amount, even for once a day sunscreens. This rises to 72 per cent of people who wear sunscreen when they go out in the sun in the UK.

People were also less likely to use sunscreen in the UK, with two fifths (42 per cent) of people either regularly forgetting to apply sunscreen or never using it, compared with one fifth (22 per cent) doing so abroad. In the UK, the sun’s rays can be more than capable of burning the skin, so it is important not to let sunburn catch you out.

Almost half of those surveyed (46 per cent) are confused by what SPF actually means and think that SPF30 offers double the protection of SPF15 - a worrying misconception. A SPF15 sunscreen filters out 93 per cent of UVB radiation (the type that’s mostly responsible for sunburn), while a SPF30 sunscreen filters out 96 per cent - offering just three per cent more protection.

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart manager, said: “It’s really concerning that people don’t know how to use sunscreen properly. Sunscreen only works if you put enough on. You can’t make up for a thin layer by increasing the factor you use.

“Rates of the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, are on the rise in the UK, so we really want people to take note of what they can do to protect themselves. Applying sunscreen regularly and generously is a start, but don’t forget to take other steps to reduce your risk as well, such as covering up with clothes, sunglasses, and spending time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest. Whatever you do, don’t let sunburn catch you out.”

Martin Crisp, Superdrug Superintendant Pharmacist, added: “Slapdash Slatherers should sit up and take note of these findings. Skin cancer is a horrible disease, and one that shouldn’t be brushed off in favour of getting a tan.

“It’s clear that Brits need to be shown the correct way to apply sunscreen, which is why we’ve trained all our nurses and pharmacists this summer to advise customers on what they need to do to stay safe in the sun.”

Throughout the summer, Superdrug will be providing information and advice to its customers about sun safety, including free skin cancer risk assessments in all 200+ pharmacy stores. These stores will also be offering free sunscreen consultations showing how to apply sunscreen correctly.

This summer all Superdrug stores across the country will be organising fundraising activities to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s skin cancer research. The stores will also be helping customers understand how to enjoy the sun safely, with clear signage and information in stores.

For further information about skin cancer and Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign, visit www.sunsmart.org.uk

ENDS

For further media information contact the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 7061 8300

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Sunbeds may be addictive, warn researchers

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Young people who regularly use sunbeds often display signs of addiction to using them, a US study has found.

Scientists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre and the University of Albany, State University of New York conducted a study to assess the prevalence of addiction to sunbed use among college students.

They were also interested to see whether people who regularly used sunbeds were more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs, or to display signs of anxiety or depression.

The researchers recruited 421 college students between September and December 2006 and gave all of them two questionnaires.

These were based on two existing questionnaires to screen for alcoholism and substance-related disorders, but were modified to assess addiction to indoor tanning.

Just over half of the students had used a sunbed in the past and about a third showed signs of being addicted to them.

Students who showed signs of addiction on both questionnaires tended to be more likely to suffer from anxiety and abuse alcohol and other substances than those who did not.

Writing in the Archives of Dermatology, the study authors observed: "Despite ongoing efforts to educate the public about the health risks associated with natural and non-solar UV radiation, recreational tanning continues to increase among young adults.

"Findings suggest that interventions to reduce skin cancer risk should address the addictive qualities of indoor tanning for a minority of individuals and the relationship of this behaviour to other addictions and affective disturbance."

Sarah Woolnough, Cancer Research UK's head of policy, said: "The study suggests that people who regularly use sunbeds may be more likely to show signs of addiction to indoor tanning. This underlines the importance of stopping children from having access to sunbeds.

"Cancer Research UK is delighted that, thanks to the success of the Private Member's Bill in Parliament, it will soon be illegal for under-18s to use sunbeds.

"It is also vital that the new government ensures that all sunbed salons are staffed and that information is provided warning users of the health risks."

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