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09:22 GMT, Thursday, 8 May 2008 10:22 UK

Parents in skin cancer DVD launch

Becca's parent Peter and Bet Kaye

A couple from Cornwall whose daughter died from skin cancer are hoping a DVD they are launching will save lives.

Becca Kaye from Launceston, who was a 35-year-old school teacher, died from the disease years after exposure to too much sun during a day's windsurfing.

Her father Peter Kaye says children and adults need to be aware of the dangers.

Experts at the Royal Cornwall Hospital's dermatology unit have provided specialist advice and taken part in the production of the DVD.

"We were devastated by the loss of Becca and together with her friends were determined to carry her energy forward," said Mr Kaye.

"The Melanoma Awareness Project (MAP) is one of the ways we are doing that."

Devon and Cornwall has the highest rate of malignant melanoma in the UK.

Sun shining

Last year, figures by Cancer Research showed an increase in cases by 29% in men and 14% in women over the past 10 years.

The specialist team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital is holding a special drop-in mole clinic on Saturday at the dermatology unit.

People are being encouraged to come along to have any moles they may be worried about checked out.

Health experts advise people to avoid the sun between 1100 and 1500 BST, cover up with a T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use high-factor sun screen and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.



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Related to this story:
Warning over rise in skin cancer (03 Apr 07 |  Cornwall )
Staying safe in the sun (11 May 03 |  Health )
Britons warned over skin cancer (06 Aug 02 |  Health )
Skin cancer 'timebomb' warning (03 May 02 |  Health )
Skin cancers (17 Mar 00 |  C-D )
Skin cancer 'gene' breakthrough (10 Jun 02 |  Health )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Royal Cornwall Hospital
Cancer Research UK
Melanoma Awareness project
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