PEOPLE in York are urged to protect themselves and their families against the sun.

There were 118 new cases of malignant melanoma during 2010-12 in York, City of York Council has said.

This is a rate of 21.6 per 100,000 - higher than 20.5 average across Yorkshire and the Humber, but lower than the national average of 23.3 per cent.

City of York Council has issued a report on the local population looking at the risks of skin damage and skin cancer in particular.

Julie Hotchkiss, City of York Council’s acting director of public health, said: “Staying safe in the sun is particularly important for children and babies. Enjoying time in the sun can be beneficial for our wellbeing, but we do need to be sensible and consider the long term health implications staying out in the sun too long can have."

There are two types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, which is less common but more serious, and non melanoma cancer.

On average there are 5,780 cases of malignant melanoma in men and 6,250 in women every year.

The best way to protect the skin is to wear high factor sun protection and to avoid the sun between 11am and 3m on hot days.

As children's skin is very delicate, babies under 12 months should be kept in complete shade and covered with a high factor sun lotion or block.

Sunburn or intense sun exposure in childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancers in later life.

It's important to check your moles, the council report states, detailing the guide from the British Association of Dermatologists to be aware of the early stages of cancer. The signs to look out for are asymmetry, the two halves of thee mole may be different, the border, the edges may be irregular and blurred, the colour, different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen, and the diameter, most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Go to your doctor with concerns.

Each month a new chapter is added to the health and wellbeing page on the council’s website – www.york.gov.uk The subjects covered will reflect national campaigns and local events including exercise, alcohol, smoking, dementia, contraception and mental health.