Molly the Mole came to Parliament last week with the experts from Cancer Research UK to warn MPs about the dangers of too much sun. The Island’s MP Andrew Turner attended the annual Westminster ‘Molewatch Clinic’ where he was given a clear warning about the risks of sunburn.

The most serious form of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. It is now the most common cancer for women in their 20s and rates are predicted to rise in future years. Getting seriously sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of contracting this dangerous form of skin cancer. Australia has more cases of the disease but it leads to more deaths in the UK.

Cancer UK experts told Mr Turner how you should be aware of any changes on your skin and anyone who notices a change in the size, colour or shape of an existing mole should have it checked out by their GP – especially if they are fair skinned. The disease is much easier to treat when it is spotted earlier.

Mr Turner said

“Molly the Mole may be a fun figure – but she has a very serious message. We have all been enjoying the lovely weather lately, but we should also take simple measures to protect our skin. It is important to use at least SPF 15 sun cream, spend time in the shade during the hottest part of the day (between 11 and 3) and cover up with hats, t-shirts and other clothing. We all know that the Island is one of the sunniest places in Britain – it is not only in more tropical climates that you need to protect yourself from the sun.”