A CANCER charity has joined forces with a Bradford builders’ merchant to raise awareness of skin cancer amongst men.

Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and men, particularly those who work outdoors, such as builders and construction workers, are at even greater risk of developing the disease.

For Sun Awareness Week, which runs from Monday May 4 to Sunday, May 10, Macmillan Cancer Support is working with Minster, on Commondale Way, to highlight the issue. Within a five-mile radius of the store, more than 40 men have skin cancer. The company will be provide skin cancer and sun awareness information in-store and telling customers about local Macmillan support services.

Macmillan skin cancer clinical nurse specialist Carol Goodman said: “Skin cancer is often overlooked in comparison with other cancers, but the numbers of people being diagnosed have risen fivefold since the 1970s.

“We must encourage more men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, so we’re particularly thrilled to have the support from Minster to help us reach a particularly hard-to-reach group about this important issue."

Lee Cowling, marketing manager at Minster, added: “It is shocking that the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer is on the rise. We hope that by working with Macmillan to raise awareness this Sun Awareness Week, we can help empower and educate our male customers to take control of their health and seek medical help sooner.”