Scottish Labour MSP Claire Baker has signed up to MASScot’s campaign to prevent skin cancer, the most common cancer in 15 to 34 year olds in Scotland.

MASScot (Melanoma Action & Support Scotland) hosted an exhibition in the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the high incidence of malignant melanoma in Scotland.

MASScot asked the MSPs to consider a public education campaign to prevent skin cancers by avoiding sunburn and to make people aware of the early signs of skin cancer and the dangers of sunbed use.

Early diagnosis with removal by minor surgery will cure thin melanomas, but all too often the early signs of cancer are missed. MSPs were asked to sign that they agreed that Sun Protection is Vital and add a comment of their own.

Speaking after supporting the campaign Claire Baker said:

“It was great to see MASScot in the Parliament and sign up to their campaign. It’s important that people are aware of the dangers of skin cancer and the steps that can be taken to help prevent it.

“As a mother of a young child I’m all too aware that you can’t start sun protection early enough. It’s a great idea to educate children at a young age and it is important that warning signs are not ignored.”

Leigh Smith, Chair of MASScot, commented:

“We are delighted with the amount of MSPs who have signed the Sun Protection is Vital pledge and the many who highlighted how important it is to educate our youngsters on safe sun practice from an early age.

“Furthermore, knowing the signs to look for and early detection of skin cancer can mean the difference between life and death, and this is something we hope will be debated on in the near future.”