Dr Allan Matthews
Ambassadors
Dr Allan Matthews
As the lead dermatologist for the PGA European Tour, Dr Allan Matthews is responsible for overseeing the skin health of professional golfers, caddies, and tour staff. As our medical advisor, he brings valuable insight to ensure the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign message is up to date, and relevant for all in golf.
Dr Allan Matthews graduated in Medicine with Commendation from the University of Dundee in 2007, followed by post-graduate medical training in Edinburgh and Dermatology training in Glasgow. He has been a consultant dermatologist with NHS Fife in Scotland since 2015 and an honorary senior lecturer at the University of St Andrews since 2018.
His training and practice cover all aspects of dermatology including skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. He is particularly passionate about the prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer, through education and screening and has a keen interest in medical education and in the fledgling field of sports dermatology.
As the Lead Dermatologist for the PGA European Tour, Dr Matthews oversees the skin cancer screening and education service for professional golfers, caddies, and tour staff. He uses this contact as an opportunity to raise awareness of skin cancer and educate on the importance of sun protection and regular self-examination, and to highlight red flags to look out for in terms of identifying a possible skin cancer.
He says; “We have produced educational infographics and offer education and full skin examination sessions at events. My focus is not just on sunscreen use but also physical protection (hats and sleeves), recognition of risk and early detection. We speak about melanoma but also non-melanoma skin cancer which is probably a bit more prevalent in this group, though admittedly not as potentially dangerous.
I am keen to help the Melanoma Fund align their campaign messages to ensure that the accreditation scheme and advice proffered is relevant, accurate and viable for all in golf.
The most important aspect of this is to create good habits, which can be difficult, especially for the older generation. However, with persistence and positive, consistent messaging metred out by the media and golf clubs, we can inspire everyone to take a closer look at their skin health. This is a campaign which aims to create a positive and healthy legacy for golfers of all genders and ages”.
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Get Your Golf Club Sun Protection Accredited
Get Your 'Golf Club' Sun Protection Accredited
Becoming a Sun Protection Accredited ‘golf club’ will not only benefit the health of your own staff and members; you will become part of wider community, helping to create national impact.
Simply agree to pledge simple 4 actions to promote awareness, educate on the risks, and encourage action. In turn, these will help create new attitudes and behaviour, to cut the risk of skin cancer to all in golf.
A link to our downloadable resources will be supplied to you by email following registration.
Your Actions
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2
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(CLICK HERE for sunscreen support)
4
Display the accreditation certificate in the club and promote your NEW status on your socials.
PLEASE NOTE: Your toolkit of downloadable resources will be supplied following registration.
*An accreditation window sticker will be posted out following receipt of your evidence form.
Why is it important?
Melanoma is our fastest rising cancer, but it is also largely preventable. With summer’s becoming hotter, it’s important spread awareness to those who spend a lot of time outdoors and underestimate the risks. If not now, then when?
Is it timely?
No. You simply need to read our guidelines and then pledge to implement some simple but effective actions within your club. We will support you with all you need to create a buzz around sun protection. We will even offer you some incentives such as complimentary sunscreen!
What are the benefits?
We can help improve your duty of care strategy and support your health and safety guidelines. Enhance your CSR policies and join a community of clubs, impacting the health of all in golf. We will also provide you with advice on generating publicity to ensure your efforts are recognised in the local community.
Who does it?
We suggest that this undertaken by the club’s PGA Pro or a member of staff who is willing to commit to the actions. This person should have the support of the club manager.
Accredited Golf Clubs
More than 300 golf clubs have become accredited with the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign, including:
Nominate A Club
Nominate a club
Our aim is to get 600 golf clubs Sun Protection Accredited this year, and you can help!
Simply fill in the form below and we will send an email to your nominated club, encouraging them to sign up.
The process is free and it will ensure that sun protection becomes part of a club’s duty of care to members and staff. We thank you for your part in making this happen.
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Skin Cancer Facts
Skin Cancer Facts
To inspire better sun protection habits, we believe it helps to know why it is important to cover up. We have selected some key facts regarding melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) to help expand your knowledge, and then pass this on to others.
Melanoma Facts
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which grows downwards and after time can reach into the deeper layers of skin and beyond where it is at risk of spreading to other parts of the body.
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Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, with around 16,200 new cases diagnosed every year, that is 44 a day.
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Melanoma may be the rarest form of skin cancer, but it is the deadliest, as it can travel to other organs, so early detection is vital.
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It takes only one blistering sunburn, especially at a young age, to more than double the chance of developing melanoma later in life.
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Since the early 1990s, incidence rates in women have more than doubled in the UK and in males almost tripled.
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Incidence is projected to rise by 7% in the UK between 2014 and 2035, to 32 cases per 100,000 people by 2035.
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By the time it is diagnosed, around 24% of male cases are terminal as opposed to 15% of female cases, because women tend to check themselves more frequently and present at GPs earlier.
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Incidence increases with age, with a quarter of all new cases diagnosed in people aged 75 and over.
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As well as skin, melanoma can also develop in the eyes and in the nailbeds.
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Melanoma does not discriminate by age, race, or gender, although those very fair skin and/or red hair are highly vulnerable.
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Melanoma can occur anywhere, but in men is it most common on the upper back, head, and neck and in women, on the legs.
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Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning but can also develop from or near an existing mole or lesion, and not necessarily on a sun exposed site.
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Only 11% of people get their skin checked professional, and 33% check their own skin annually, despite dermatologists recommending that this should be carried out monthly.
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New, rapidly growing moles, or moles that itch, bleed, or change colour are often early warning signs, which need to be checked immediately by your GP.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) Facts
NMSC is the most common cancer in the world, so it is especially important to understand more about it, recognise the first signs, and avoid a late diagnosis which can lead to further problems. Please read and share with others:
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There are nearly 152,000 new NMSC cases in the UK every year, that is more than 410 every day (2015-2017).
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NMSC is by far the most common type of cancer in the world. 43% of NMSC cases in the UK are in woman, and 57% are in men.
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There are 2 main types of NMSC: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) named after the types of skin cells where the cancer develops, however it is possible for a NMSC to be a mixture of both these types.
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BCC starts in the cells lining the bottom of the epidermis and accounts for about 75 in every 100 skin cancers.
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SCC starts in the cells lining the top of the epidermis and accounts for about 20 in every 100 skin cancers.
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BCC frequently appears as a pearly bump, whereas SCC often looks like a rough, red, scaly area, or an ulcerated bump that bleeds.
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Although not classed as NMSC, Bowen’s disease can sometimes develop into SCC if left untreated, however it develops slowly and is easily treated.
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Actinic or solar keratoses are dry, scaly patches caused by years of accumulated sun damage. Although is not classed as NMSC, there is a small risk that patches could develop into SCC if untreated.
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Since the early 1990s, NMSC incidence rates for both men and women have increased by more than two-and-a-half times (166%) in the UK.
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NMSC can appear on any sun-exposed area of the body, but are most frequently found on the face, ears, bald scalp, and neck.
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Although NMSC spreads slowly, if left untreated, it can lead to disfigurement, so best catch it early.
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NMSC is mainly caused by UV light, and can be prevented by using adequate sun protection.
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Surgery is the main treatment, which involves removing the cancerous tumour and some of the surrounding skin.
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Other treatments include freezing (cryotherapy), anti-cancer creams, radiotherapy and a form of light treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT).
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The treatment used will depend on the type, size, and location of the NMSC you have.
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If you have a lump, ulcer, lesion, or skin discolouration that has not healed after 4 weeks, see your GP. While it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is best to get it checked.
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Sun Protection Statement
Sun Protection Statement
Please cut and paste the following statement and use on your website, or where appropriate, as written or adapted to suit your tone and requirements.
Sun Protection
We are Sun Protection Accredited to the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign, having pledged to raise awareness of sun protection and skin cancer, protecting the health of our staff, members and visitors.
Skin cancer mainly affects those who spend lots of time outdoors without sun protection, so it makes sense for us all to take the risks seriously. Over the last 30 years, incidence of melanoma has more than doubled in women and tripled in men, so we aim to address this.
The sun can damage your skin between March and October, specifically when the UV Index is 3 and over. Bear in mind that you can burn, even on cloudy days, and the weather can be changeable, so always start the day whether working or playing, ‘sun prepared’:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30+) on exposed skin, sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before UV exposure to ensure it is rubbed in and active.
- Drink water regularly help keep you alert and to avoid dehydration.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours on sunny days or more often if sweating.
- A sunscreen applicator, chubby stick or keeping a small towel handy, will help you avoid a greasy grip.
- Pay special attention to lips, nose, ears and back of neck as these areas are prone to burning.
- Select shade if and when possible, especially on hot days.
- Remember that sunscreen can easily be rubbed off when carrying or brushing against items.
- Check skin every month or so and if you spot any changes, visit your GP immediately.
For further golf related tips and advice visit the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign at www.melanoma-fund.co.uk
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Jamie Cundy
Jamie Cundy
Golf Manager and PGA Advanced Fellow Golf Professional at Calderfields Golf & Country Club.
Having been a professional sportsman all his adult life, Jamie Cundy has spent the majority of his time either playing golf for a living or teaching the game to amateur golfers and other professionals.
His melanoma story proves that knowing your skin as well as regular health checks is always a good thing and a valuable lesson for those who may not think visiting their GP is a priority.
My story
In 2014 I made an appointment with my GP because I had a persistent earache (unrelated to any cancer symptoms) and it was at this appointment that the doctor noticed a small mole on my left forearm, of which I had never really taken any notice.
He immediately sent me off for a biopsy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. I endured the outcome wait without a thought for the result; cancer never crossed my mind. I was completely shocked two weeks later when told by my GP I had an aggressive form of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. I returned to the hospital a week later to have the cancer removed.
Further to this, I underwent two successful operations on my left arm, which removed the cancer cells completely, leaving only a scar. It certainly turned my world upside down; developing skin cancer is something that I never thought I would be prone to, but looking back I now know how naïve and lucky I was.
I am fair-skinned with red hair and have a lot of moles, a triple whammy trait that is right up there on the scale of vulnerability to skin cancer. Add the fact I have worked outdoors for most of my life, with a pretty lousy sun protection habit, and trouble was just waiting to happen.
It was only the earache that got me to my GP, resulting in an early diagnosis, which meant I was treated quickly and successfully. But it could have been much worse. I now make sure that I give my skin a regular check, and protect myself from the sun at certain times of the day. Importantly, I will never put myself in a situation where I will let my skin burn.
Following my experiences, I am keen to ensure that fellow golfers – as well as others working outdoors – are aware of ways to avoid heightening the risk of skin cancer. As well as the Melanoma Fund, I also work at the forefront of raising awareness with Macmillan and cancer specialists at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
I’ve spoken to a few pros about the fact that skin cancer is now epidemic and golfers are at a high risk, but most still neglect sun protection. This has got to change and it starts with education and awareness, something the Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign offers everyone in golf.
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Kenton Wright
Ambassadors
Kenton Wright
Head PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Driffield Golf Club.
Ever since he was a young boy, Kenton Wright has loved the great outdoors, which has led to an enjoyable three-decade career as a PGA golfer. Just like many people, especially golfers, Kenton has been exposed to his fair share of UV light, and although he has never suffered from ‘extreme’ sunburn, he does admit to having had occasional, mild sunburn, with little regard for sun protection.
His melanoma story will I hope inspire you to take your own health a little more seriously, even if you think you are not at risk.
My story
In 2015 I noticed a small mole on my right forearm, very slowly increasing in size and shape. Initially I thought nothing of it, however on particularly hot days I’d make sure the area was well protected with sunscreen.
Over time I began to wonder whether to have it looked at; just a niggle at first, but the noise in my head got louder. So diligently, I made an appointment with my local GP and he checked it against a list of possible cancerous moles. Having decided it was worth a second opinion, I was referred to my local hospital, whereby the specialist removed it immediately and sent it away for analysis.
A few days later, I was asked to return to the hospital to be informed I had cancer – melanoma to be precise; the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which if not treated early can travel from the skin to all other areas of your body. Not a great day.
After trawling the internet, I informed myself with the facts on how this cancer works, how aggressive it is, how common its becoming, and how it can be mostly avoided by simply using sun protection and avoiding sunburn. How I wished desperately I’d been more careful.
Surgeons began by removing a larger area to make sure the cancerous skin was completely clear. None of the procedures were particularly uncomfortable, but it was an uncertain and stressful time for both myself, and my family.
On recognition of my condition, I have had consultations with suitably qualified staff to ensure I had no further developing melanomas and to advise me on how I need to be more aware of the risks and also be mindful that it could return.
I now take a vitamin D supplement, use an SPF50 sunscreen and continue to have regular check-ups as well as checking my own skin, something I should have done years ago.
I consider myself lucky and so thankful for going to my GP when I did. Apparently, the skin has three layers and my melanoma had only penetrated the first; in other words, I caught it early, before it travelled, so effectively that trip to my GP saved my life.
My advice is should you notice a changing mole or are worried about a new lesion, take professional advice, immediately. I also recommend upping your game when it comes to sun protection – why wait until you get a cancer diagnosis to start looking after your skin?
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Craig Cotterill
Craig Cotterill
Commercial Director – Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE)
The work that Michelle and the team are doing at the Melanoma Fund is crucial in raising awareness of a threat that all golfers and greenkeepers expose themselves to, and on a regular basis.
I decided to become a Sunguard ambassador because I have first-hand experience with melanoma, after losing my father to it back in 2003. Dad was a keen sportsman, and one of those golfers who always said; “I’ll be fine, I’m used to the sun” – words many golfers have either uttered or heard before. However, despite numerous warnings from his friends and family, he chose to often ignore using sun protection and ended up paying the ultimate price.
The fact is that nobody ever never really understands the impact of cancer until touched by it, and with the incidence of melanoma tripling in men over the last thirty years, we are all vulnerable to this.
I was 29 years old, and I lost the most important man in my life to a disease that is largely preventable. Melanoma didn’t just take his life, it also impacted the lives of many other people, so for me this campaign is vital, and a positive way to hit back at a horrible disease.
I am delighted to support this campaign as it is important to golf, and indeed all sports clubs. I believe that all golf clubs play a key part in helping to reach, support and engage with their members and staff, helping reduce the incidence of skin cancer within our sport.
By becoming Sun Protection Accredited, they can be safe in the knowledge that they are part of a growing community of organisations, taking the lead, and providing positive messages to help keep skin cancer off the fairway. Why wait until it’s too late?
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Joe Cardy
Ambassadors
Joe Cardy
Creator and PGA Professional at CardyGolf.
Joe is a PGA Golf Professional running the brand CardyGolf, specialising in coaching, offering tuition from juniors to professionals. As an ex-player and the current Suffolk first team coach he understands how the issue sun protection in the sport needs a re-boot.
My story
During my career as a PGA golfer I clocked up years and years UV exposure, and only too well appreciate the importance of a good sunscreen routine. This, for which I thank my mum, was drilled into me from a young age, and it kind of stuck. For me it isn’t just about the threat of skin cancer, although that is obviously something I never want to experience, its about keeping my skin healthy, which many golfers, and especially men underestimate the importance of.
I agreed to become a Slip! Slap! Swing! ambassador as not only is the name pretty natty, it’s a campaign which needs to happen in golf. We all know that the sun dries your skin out, and you only have to look at those who spend lots of time on the golf course, to realise that a tan doesn’t do you any favours long-term. We also know that too much sun, and in particular sunburn can double your chances of melanoma, so to have golf clubs sending positive messages to their members and staff is a no brainer, and in my opinion long over-due.
Getting involved with this campaign has also made me review sun protection when it comes to my clients, as I also have a responsibility. As a coach I offer golf tuition for everybody from juniors and beginners to elite amateurs and fellow professionals. From now on, I will be asking them to bring sunscreen (and re-apply it), wear a hat and keep out of the mid-day sun if possible. As the Suffolk first team coach I will be passing this valuable advice onto my team mates.
If I can help save one person from wrecking their skin from a nasty sunburn, or worse, a skin cancer diagnosis then that’s fantastic. Skin cancer is preventable and all it takes is a shift in behaviour to have healthier skin and a better chance of staying out there playing golf for longer.
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Annabel Dimmock
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Annabel Dimmock
Ladies European Tour Professional Golfer.
Playing golf from a young age has made Annabel Dimmock aware of how important it is to sun protect, even on overcast and windy days. With many golfers underestimating the risks, she is keen to raise awareness of skin cancer to golfers, and how if can affect anyone.
Annabel honed her game with the help of the Wentworth Scholarship programme, and can now list the Junior Ryder Cup, Youth Olympics, Curtis Cup and Ladies European Tour winner among her many achievements.
Say’s Annabel; “I love playing in summer, it’s what golf is all about. Unfortunately I see too many people hitting the fairway without hats or sunscreen. Sun protection in the sport really is too hit and miss. A tan is still seen by many as a ‘trophy’, signifying how long they spend on the golf course.
Sure, it does appear to give the appearance of health and vitality, however, it’s actually a sign that your skin is damaged and if you continue, and occasionally get sunburned whilst playing, either in the UK or abroad, you are setting yourself up for early ageing and the dreaded skin cancer.
All we need to do is change our perspective on sun protection and look at the facts – namely that skin cancer is an epidemic, with incidence rising faster than all other cancers put together. I hope that if enough club’s get behind this campaign, golfers will be urged to re-think their habits. If you really want to tan, then fake it, because your older self will thank you!
I really don’t mind growing old playing golf, but I DO mind looking old before my time, and I know if I ignore sun protection, that will happen”.
The Slip! Slap! Swing! campaign is free, quick and easy to implement and helps protect golfers and the staff that spend lots of time outdoors from the risk of UV light. All clubs should sign up and get Sun Protection Accredited as this will help start a revolution in golf that will impact skin cancer. The question is if not, why not?
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