Skin Cancer and Sun Safety

Reviews

Reviews of Skin Cancer and Sun Safety: The Essential Guide

“This is an extremely timely and welcome book on a very serious subject. Skin cancer is now one of the most common forms of cancer in theUK, particularly among the young. Many of these cases could easily be avoided by following the advice set out in this very readable book. It should be required reading for everyone before taking their holiday in the sun

Rachel Newcombe writes on a complex subject in a very clear and concise style, which puts an end to the confusion and sets out the facts in a readable way without recourse to unnecessary jargon.

Topics covered include the risk factors, prevention, the types of skin cancer and the emotional effects of suffering from the disease, as well as life after skin cancer. There is a very useful chapter on the choice of which sunscreen to use, and how to use it effectively, while making the point that ‘no sunscreen will offer 100% protection, but they can make a significant difference’.

There is a must-read chapter on the dangers of using sunbeds, pointing out that anyone who is uses a sunbed once a month or more increases their risk of skin cancer by 50%, rising to 75% under the age of 35 years old. The author states that ‘sunbeds are now classified in the highest risk category alongside tobacco’, and strongly recommends the use of fake tanning as a safe substitute.

The book also contains a useful glossary of relevant medical terms, and a list of books for further reading, plus a valuable list of organisations that can provide further help and advice.

An excellent book that should be read by everyone who ventures into the sun.”

- Cancer patient, from Macmillan Cancer Support Cancer Voices Network (66-75) (August 2010)

“Anyone who likes sunbathing or sunbeds, or who has young children, should read this book. It tells it how it is. It sets out the options for treatment very well, and also describes ways of getting back to a relatively normal life after treatment.

It is very easy to understand and very well written; the language is appropriate for the intended audience (the general public), unlike a lot of books. I like the look of this book, the layout, the checklists and the summaries at the end of each chapter.

There should be a copy in all doctors’ surgeries for those who think worshipping the sun is a good thing. I did not have any idea just how harmful sunbathing and sunbeds are. I will let my two teenage granddaughters read this; perhaps then they might stay off the sunbeds as we keep telling them.”

- Reviewer living with cancer, from Macmillan Cancer Support Cancer Voices Network (56-65) (August 2010)

“This book has useful information for everyone, but is perhaps most useful for recently diagnosed patients and family. It has a positive appearance and is a friendly size.

I like the sensible advice and facts, given without using scare tactics. It has useful prevention tips and alternative tanning options. The glossary is concise and comprehensive.”

- Skin cancer patient, from Macmillan Cancer Support Cancer Voices Network (36-45) (January 2011)

A great source of help and advice

“I bought this book after a relation was diagnosed with skin cancer recently. Having been slightly confused by the information that we’d been provided with from the hospital, this book was a fantastic source of information and advice. Everything is clearly explained and the short sections make it easier to read. We now all feel far more informed about the type of skin cancer we’re facing, the likely treatment options and the prognosis. Thank you for such an informative and helpful guide.”

- Anna, 11/10/10 (Need2Know website).

Excellent sun safety information

“This book is packed with excellent advice and practical tips for parents and families about sun safety tips. The information about sun safety in schools been really useful and has inspired my school to review its sun safety strategy.”

- Maria, 6/7/11 (Need2Know website).

“Skin Cancer and Sun Safety is a very readable, practical, clear and concise guide to staying safe in the sunshine, including which sunscreen is best, skin cancer signs and how best to prevent getting sunburn.