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Campaign uses striking imagery to promote early detection among outdoor workers
A new awareness campaign is encouraging scaffolders and other construction workers who spend long periods outdoors to check their skin regularly for signs of melanoma.
The Melanoma Fund’s If skin could talk initiative uses bold poster designs featuring tattooed skin appearing to “speak” directly to its owner, delivering warnings about the importance of monthly skin checks.
The charity is calling on construction, building, scaffolding and logistics firms to display the posters in staff areas. Each includes a QR code linking to guidance on how to check skin for unusual changes, alongside materials for workplace health and safety briefings.
‘It turned my world upside down’
Dan Haywood, chief executive of Prime Horizon, said his own melanoma diagnosis had been unexpected.
“I never imagined melanoma would happen to me, but it did, and it turned my world upside down,” he said. “Skin cancer doesn’t care who you are or how strong you think you are.
“If this campaign helps even one colleague spot melanoma early and get treated, it will be worth it. We all need to know what melanoma is, how to spot it, and take five minutes a month to check our skin. It could save your life.”
Fourth most common cancer in men
Melanoma is now the fourth most common cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 22,000 cases diagnosed each year, according to the Melanoma Fund.
Michelle Baker, the charity’s chief executive, said early detection was crucial.
“Caught early, most cases can be treated successfully,” she said. “This campaign reaches those most at risk in a direct and practical way, making it impossible to ignore the signs.
“If skin could talk, it would be telling us to pay attention, and our campaign gives people the tools to listen. Education, early detection and action save lives.”
The campaign materials are available free of charge throughout October and November at melanoma-fund.co.uk/ifskincouldtalk.
