Skin cancer prevention

Introduction

This is NICE's formal guidance on skin cancer: prevention using public information, sun protection resources and changes to the environment. When writing the recommendations, the Public Health Interventions Advisory Committee (PHIAC; see appendix A) considered the evidence reviews, expert papers, economic analysis and comments from stakeholders and experts. Full details are available online.

The evidence statements underpinning the recommendations are listed in appendix C.

PHIAC considers that the recommended measures are cost effective.

See the recommendations for research and gaps in the evidence.

What the guidance covers

This guideline covers provision of shade as part of the design of new buildings (recommendation 6). The original recommendations 1 to 5 have been replaced by NICE's guideline on sunlight exposure: risks and benefits.

What the guidance does not cover

There are no recommendations on the following interventions as they were found not to be cost effective:

In addition, there are no recommendations on the use of non‑information related resources alone (such as protective clothing or sunscreen). The absence of recommendations in this area is a result of a lack of evidence (no studies were identified). It should not be taken as a judgement on whether or not such interventions are effective and cost effective.

The following interventions were excluded as they were not part of the remit for this guidance:

Factors to consider when planning and delivering the recommended activities

Exposure to the sun has a number of benefits. For example, it increases people's sense of wellbeing, allows them to synthesise vitamin D and provides opportunities for physical activity.

Behaviour change

The principles outlined in NICE's guideline on behaviour change: general approaches were used as the basis for making recommendations on how to change people's health‑related behaviours. That guidance highlights the need for careful planning that takes into account the local and national context and the needs of the target community. It advises building upon the existing skills and resources within a community, and ensuring practitioners have the necessary competencies and skills to support behaviour change. The guidance also recommends evaluating interventions and programmes thoroughly.

Whose health will benefit?

This guidance does not exclude anybody. However, some groups are more likely to benefit (for example, outdoor workers, those who are immune‑suppressed, children and young people and those who use sunbeds).