Publish date: 19 June 2025
Fewer people are being diagnosed with skin cancer at a late stage in Kent and Medway.
In 2019, 3.9 per cent of melanoma (skin) cancers were diagnosed at a late stage. Latest statistics available from 2024, show a drop to 2.1 per cent of cases diagnosed at a late stage.
The news comes as Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance and community partner Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) begin this year’s #BeSkinSmart roadshows.
Earlier diagnosis
The cancer alliance launched the #BeSkinSmart campaign back in 2022 to help increase early diagnosis of skin cancer and raise awareness of prevention.
Campaign materials highlight the signs and symptoms to look out for and simple steps we can all take to protect our skin from the sun.
Prevention
Up to 90 per cent of skin cancers are preventable by adopting simple sun-safe strategies.
Dr Jonathan Bryant, GP Clinical Lead, NHS Kent and Medway, said: “We all need to take care of our skin when we are outside in the sun.
“Some simple steps can help keep us safe and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
“If you notice any new moles or changes to existing ones, always contact your GP straight away to get them checked
“Learning how to prevent skin cancer and how to spot the signs and symptoms early, saves lives.”
Roadshows
Since the campaign began, the cancer alliance has been taking its skin cancer awareness roadshows to communities in Kent and Medway to teach people how to be skin smart.
This year the cancer alliance is teaming up with Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) to take #BeSkinSmart out and about in Kent and Medway.
Despite the blustery weather, SEK’s Community Engagement Team began this year’s #BeSkinSmart roadshows with a visit to Herne Bay Pier on Tuesday (3 June).
Lisa Bates, Community Engagement Project Manager, Social Enterprise Kent, said: "Social Enterprise Kent is delighted to continue working in partnership with Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance through our Cancer Smart project.
“As well as our wider work raising awareness of cancers and screening programmes, we'll be supporting the Be Skin Smart campaign with events over the summer.
“Our friendly team will be holding stands in coastal communities, ready to spread the word about sun safety and what to look out for when checking our moles."
Checking your moles
Make sure you regularly check your skin for new moles, or changes to existing ones.
Know your ABCDEs when it comes to checking:
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A – Asymmetry: Both halves don’t look the same.
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B – Border: The mole has blurred or jagged edges.
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C – Colour: The mole has more than one colour.
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D – Diameter: Grows larger than 6mm.
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E – Evolution: Changes size, shape or colour.
If you notice anything unusual always contact your GP straight away.
If found, diagnosed and treated early enough, almost all cases of skin cancer are curable.
Roadshow dates:
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Baytastic Event, Herne Bay Memorial Park CT6 5QH on Sunday, 20 July
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Walmer Castle sea front, Kingsdown Road, Walmer, Deal CT14 7LJ on Thursday, 24 July.
How to be skin smart
Whatever your skin colour, staying safe in the sun reduces your chances of suffering from skin cancer and you can help prevent this by following four simple steps:
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avoid being in the sun from 11am to 3pm, the hottest part of the day
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make sure you apply sun cream regularly and try never to get sunburn
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your sun cream should have an SPF of at least factor 30, and a minimum of a four-star rating
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wear a hat and stay covered up with suitable clothes and sunglasses.
