Yorkshire cricketers visit Dermatology department
11 May 2015
Yorkshire County cricket players in association with our partners at the Yorkshire Cancer Research charity, visited the dermatology department at Chapel Allerton Hospital to be screened and raise awareness of skin cancer.
First team players including Andrew Gale, Steven Patterson, Tim Bresnan and Richard Pyrah were among those attending dermatology outpatients as part of the charity’s Sun Awareness campaign.
Cases of a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma in Yorkshire have increased by 170% over the past 25 years according to statistics provided by Public Health England. The increase is considered to be linked to changes in sun-related behaviour and more holidays abroad. Cricketers have a particularly high risk of developing melanoma due to the amount of time they spend in the sun.
Yorkshire Captain Andrew Gale said: “Today is a very sad day for cricket. Richie Benaud was a massive icon in the game not just as a player but as a commentator as well, so it’s very apt that we’ve been just tested for skin cancer.
“As cricket players we spend a lot of time out in the sun in the summer so it’s definitely beneficial for the lads to see the doctors and get checked out. We’re also keen to raise awareness among people at cricket clubs throughout Yorkshire and our partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research is really helping us spread the word.”
Dr Wal Hussain, Consultant Dermatologist at Chapel Allerton Hospital, said: “One of the things we try and educate people about is the importance of early detection in diagnosing and curing skin cancer and this is where the role of screening is so important. If you are worried the first step is to go and have a chat with your GP. The phrase we’re trying to promote is ‘If in doubt, check it out’.”
