WHEN a mole on his top lip started to enlarge Simon Goody feared the worse.

As a former Olympic windsurfer he knew the dangers of a lifetime spent outdoors.

But when he was told it was skin cancer the news was still a shock for the 40-year-old.

"It was really frightening to be told it was cancer," admits Simon.

"I didn't know how evasive it was going to be and whether or not I was going to lose half my face because of it."

Simon was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and he had to undergo surgery last year to remove the tumour from his lip leaving him with five stitches.

"At one point I thought I might be left with a scar on my lip like the actor Joaquin Phoenix but the plastic surgeon was brilliant," says Simon.

As the cancer was caught early Simon, of Sandringham Road, Southend was fortunate in that he did not have to undergo any chemotherapy.

"At first I thought it was a freckle but then I noticed the mole was growing and then it started to go crusty on top," Simon recalls.

"I went to the doctor who agreed it didn't look good and referred me to a dermatologist who was able to look at it under a microscope and confirmed it was cancer."

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who get it is increasing.

Most skin cancers are caused by damage from UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight. These cancers could be prevented if we protect ourselves from the sun.

As people gear up to enjoy the summer weather Cancer Research UK has launched SunSmart a campaign commissioned by the Department of Health to promote sun protection and awareness of skin cancer.

Rebecca Russell, Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign manager, says: "Sunburn can seriously increase your risk of skin cancer, which is why it is so important to be careful in the sun and take care not to burn.

"Exposure to the sun on summer holidays can be particularly dangerous as it often takes place in intense and infrequent bursts. Studies have shown that this type of sun exposure greatly increases your risk of melanoma.

"Some people are more likely than others to get skin cancer. They tend to have one or more of the following: fair skin, red or fair hair, lots of moles or freckles, a family history of skin cancer or experience of sunburn in the past.

She warns: "Those at risk can burn in as little as 10 minutes in the midday summer sun."

There are over 75,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the UK and surprisingly there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.

At the height of his surfing career Simon competed in the 1988 Seoul and believes his years of taking on the elements on the sporting circuit as he travelled around the world took their toll.

He says:"The problem with surfers being on the water is that you tend to lick your lips a lot and take off any protection and I have known a couple of others on the circuit to have the same problem.

Still a keen surfer Simon is now conscious of the damaging effects the suns rays can have and makes sure he slaps of high factor sun protection whenever he takes to the water.

He now works with Cancer Research UK to promote the message that sun safety is important, even with the changeable British climate.

Simon says: "It is so important to use sun protection - even if you think you look stupid with garish sunblock - you can even burn on a cloudy day so you need to apply protection even then."

If you are spending time outdoors then you need to be aware of the ways your skin is at risk according to Simon.

He is urging everyone to slap on sunscreen before venturing out - and perhaps more importantly, regularly reapply it.

"There are three ways you can be affected," warns Simon, "through sunburn, through windburn and from the reflection of sun on the water, But the most important thing to remember is that you can still burn on a cloudy day."

Precautions to take

SunSmart is the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign run by Cancer Research UK.

The campaign focuses on those most at risk of skin cancer and the key target audience this year is holidaymakers.

By taking a few simple precautions you can prevent your skin from burning in strong sunlight.

To enjoy the sun safely, follow the SunSmart messages:

S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3

M ake sure you never burn

A im to cover up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses

R emember to take extra care with children

T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen or higher

Other precautions:

Don't use sunbeds

The sun is not the only source of dangerous UV rays. Sunbeds are an artificial source of UV rays and can also damage your skin.

Stay safe at work and on holiday!

If you work outdoors then you may need to take extra care with your skin. It is also important to use sun protection to avoid burning when on holiday.

The strength of UV rays outdoors varies from day to day and according to the time of year. Find out how strong the sun is by looking at the UV Index. Your burn risk depends on the strength of UV rays and your skin type.

Be aware of any changes

It is also important to look for any unusual changes that may be the early warning signs of cancer.

Report any mole changes or any other unusual skin growths to your doctor or practice nurse without delay.