How can I be skin smart?The four main steps to follow to stay safe in the sun.

No matter the colour of your skin, staying safe in the sun reduces your chances of suffering from skin cancer.

There are some simple steps you can follow to be skin smart:

  • Avoid being in the sun from 11am to 3pm, the hottest part of the day.
  • Make sure you apply sun cream regularly and try never to get sunburn.
  • Your sun cream should have an SPF of at least factor 30, and a minimum of a four-star rating.
  • Wear a hat and stay covered up with suitable clothes and sunglasses.

 

How do I check my moles?  

Make sure you regularly check your skin for new moles, or changes to existing ones. Know your ABCDEs when it comes to checking.

If you notice anything unusual, always contact your GP straight away.

  • A - Asymmetry: Both halves don't look the same.
  • B - Border: The mole has blurred or jagged edges.
  • C - Colour: The mole has more than one colour.
  • D - Diameter: Grows larger than 6mm.
  • E - Evolution: Changes size, shape or colour.

Instructions on how to check your moles for skin cancer

Why does this campaign matter?

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, and early detection can make a significant difference to outcomes.

The Be Skin Smart campaign was created so everyone can learn about:

  • the risks associated with UV exposure
  • how to prevent skin cancer
  • how to spot the early signs and symptoms.

Postcards, posters and mole tracking diaries

We have developed a range of materials including:

  • posters
  • postcards
  • a debit-card size foldout information card with a mole tracking diary, complete with handy ruler to measure your moles.

If you are holding an event or have a venue where you can display posters and give out postcards and wallet-sized information leaflets, please get in touch by emailing us at england.kmcanceralliance@nhs.net putting 'Be skin smart request' in subject header.

Social Enterprise Kent (SEK)

We partner with community organisation, Social Enterprise Kent, on the Cancer Smart programme, which raises awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, early diagnosis and the importance of self-checking.

The Be Skin Smart campaign is part of the Cancer Smart programme.

Roadshows

Since 2022, when the Be Skin Smart campaign began, we have been raising awareness of skin cancer through local roadshows, helping people learn how to be skin smart.

This year (2026), Social Enterprise Kent is taking the #BeSkinSmart roadshow into communities across Kent and Medway. 

Pop along and meet the team:

  • 12 July - Dartford Big Day Out in Central Park
  • 4 August - Dover Seafront Summer Safety event
  • 11 August -  Deal Seafront Summer Safety event. 

Community training

Watch the video to learn about the work promoting the Cancer Smart programme.

The video captures a Be Skin Smart community training session focused on recognising changes in the skin, understanding what to look out for, and knowing when to seek advice.

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