Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Guernsey, with non-melanoma skin cancers accounting for around 45% of all diagnosed cancers. The campaign’s message of prevention and detection is simple: Cream up. Cover up. Cool off.

This campaign, which launched at Victoria Park yesterday, aims to help islanders make better choices when out in the sun and to know when to seek medical advice. Even small changes in spots - such as itching, crusting, asymmetry, or a change in colour or size - could be cause for concern.

Checking your skin regularly and contacting a GP if you notice any changes could save your life.

Dr Ed Partridge, from the Healthcare Group, says:

“Worryingly, nearly half of islanders reported experiencing sunburn in the past year, and awareness of the early signs of skin cancer is still low.

“As well as protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF, covering up, and seeking shade when the sun’s at its hottest, it’s vital to be familiar with what’s normal for your skin.

“If you notice any changes or anything unusual, speak to your GP and get it checked. Early detection is crucial – and when it comes to skin cancer, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

The campaign also highlights key findings from the recent Guernsey Wellbeing Survey.

Diane Matthews, Strategic Screening Lead for Public Health, says:

“Skin cancer rates in Guernsey are very high, higher than in the South of England…”

“We know from our recent Wellbeing Survey that nearly half of Guernsey Islanders had at least one episode of sunburn in the last year. The figure was more concerning for younger people (aged 16-24 years), where 73% reported having been sunburned in the previous year.

“The more episodes of sunburn increase cancer risk, so if people are burning from a young age, it is likely that the number of episodes of sunburn over a lifetime will also increase.

“We are very grateful to be working with MUG to spread the word about how to be safe in the sun so that people can protect their own skin, their children's skin and help prevent skin cancer."

MUG has supplied sunscreen to schools and organisations across the island, including Victoria Park, as part of its campaign. 

Rob Jones, Director at Victoria Park, says:

“As a community football venue, we’re keen to safeguard the health and wellbeing of everyone who visits us, from players to fans. 

“We’re delighted to support MUG’s new campaign and help spread the word about sun safety, both now and into the football seasons ahead.”

We are also thrilled to be one of the chosen beneficiaries of the 2025 Cobo Bay Hotel Balcony Gigs, where supporters can ‘raise a pint to raise awareness’ using MUG-branded cups - with all proceeds going towards raising awareness of and funds for male cancers in Guernsey.

The three key actions to take this summer are:

• Cream up – Use SPF 30 or higher, and reapply regularly
• Cover up – Wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
• Cool off – Avoid overexposure to the sun when it’s strongest, between 11am and 3pm

Look after your skin. Spot the signs early. And if in doubt, get checked out.

To better remember how to spot the signs of skin cancer, MUG have created an animated video to help visualise the symptoms to look out for:

We were also delighted to be given the opportunity to speak with BBC Guernsey about our sun safety campaign and the vital importance of early education and prevention.

With free MUG-sponsored suncream now available at 25+ locations across the island, from Vale Primary to The Balcony Gig, we're proud to be working with Public Health and the Health Care Group to help keep our community safe.

Representing MUG, Tony Tostevin highlighted that sun safety is 'a major issue that we need to educate the youngsters up through to adults on what they should be looking for and looking out for.” Read the full story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg8ee565e1o