Hundreds of people braved the wet and windy weather yesterday to attend a special clinic as part of Sun Awareness Week.

Specialist doctors and nurses at St Luke's Hospital worked flat out screening people for signs of skin cancer as part of the event on European Melanoma Day.

Hospital staff and the wider community dropped in to the dermatology department to have their moles checked and learn more about the dangers of not covering up in the sun.

The clinic was run by Dr Andrew Wright, consultant dermatologist, with volunteer doctors and nurses.

They were checking for signs of skin cancer and nurses handed out information about the disease and showed visitors how to apply sunblock.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, though if caught early it can be simple to treat.

Changes in the size, colour or shape of a mole can be a sign of a melanoma and suspect moles should always be investigated straight away.

Recent figures have shown that more people died in Britain of the disease than in Australia, despite thousands more cases of the disease there.

By 11am, Dr Wright had already seen more than 100 people and dozens more filled the waiting areas. "I have certainly seen a skin cancer already today," said Dr Wright.

"What we are looking at are moles, spots and brown bits that are changing and people want to get checked.

e-mail: claire.lomax@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

WHY WE GOT CHECKED OUT'
  • Marie Cassidy, 37, of Thornton, said: "I have come along to get checked out because I am paranoid about the sun.

"I had a mole removed a few years ago and I want to get the rest checked. I do think more people should be aware of the dangers of the sun. I used to use sunbeds when I was younger which does worry me now. I always use sun block on my three-year-old daughter Alex and she has never had sunburn."

  • Janet Peers, 57, of Wyke, said: "I do have one or two moles that are concerning me so I thought I would get them looked at.

"I don't sunbathe now but I did when I was younger. I don't think enough people take notice of the advice about being careful in the sun.

"I know at first-hand how horrendous skin cancer can be so I think this clinic is a brilliant idea for the people of Bradford."

  • Emma Ross, 35, a dietician at St Luke's Hospital, said: "I am an outdoor type and do a lot of walking and I am concerned about my moles and wanted to get them checked out especially as I have only just started wearing sun cream. It is a free service and it is best to get them checked when you are younger."
  • Ailyn Mangulabnan, 33, of Heaton, who works as a staff nurse at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said she was particularly concerned about a birthmark on her arm. "It is spreading so I just want to make sure it is OK and not cancerous," she said. "This clinic is a great service because it is difficult to get an appointment with a specialist."
WHAT TO LOOK FOR

You should check for moles once a month, remembering to check the soles of your feet and in-between the toes and either let your partner check your back or use a mirror. If you notice any change, go to your GP Look for:

  • changes in colour darker or variable in colour
  • changes in size larger
  • changes in shape
  • changes in sensation for example itching, tingling or becoming aware of a mole being present.
If a mole bleeds for no reason, see your GP and have it checked.

Sunburn and skin damage in childhood can cause serious problems in later adult life.

Sun block and protective clothing should always be used. Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.