Knowsley people looking for information and advice on skin cancer and sun awareness can pop into the Cancer iVAN, which will be at the Halewood Centre on Friday August 27^th, 10am–3pm. This iVAN session will focus on sun awareness, but staff can offer advice and support to people about any aspect of cancer and cancer prevention. No appointment is necessary and people can talk to one of the Cancer Information Specialists or a Cancer Specialist Nurse face-to-face. It’s free and completely confidential. 

Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.  However, there are a few things which can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer:

• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day.
• Try to ensure you don’t burn.
• Always cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
• Use factor 15+ sunscreen.
• Remember to take extra care with children – young skin is delicate. Babies should be kept out of the sun especially around midday.
• Report any unusual skin or mole changes promptly to your GP.

If you cannot visit the iVAN centre when it comes to Halewood, but need help or advice about cancer, the Knowsley Cancer Information and Support Service (KCISS) hold drop in sessions across the borough: ·        The One Stop Shop, Halewood, every Monday 10am – 3pm

·        Lyndale, Cancer Support Group, Huyton, every Tuesday 10am – 3pm

·        The One Stop, Kirkby, every Wednesday 10am – 3pm  The Knowsley Cancer Information and Support Service is a free, friendly, confidential service and provides information and support to anyone affected by, or living with, cancer. The service can be used at any time from diagnosis, during treatment, or even after treatment has finished.  

People looking for more information about cancer can also pop along to their local library. Under the NHS Knowsley and Knowsley Council ‘Know Cancer in Knowsley’ scheme, all Knowsley libraries have special areas dedicated to cancer information materials which are free to borrow for all Knowsley residents.