A PUBLIC meeting focusing on skin cancer is to be held in Tavistock this month.

There are four times more cases of skin cancer in Devon than in other parts of the UK and it is often damage done to the skin when when a person is young that increases the chances of contracting skin cancer later in life

The good news is that up to 80 percent of skin cancers can be prevented and finding skin cancer early saves lives.

With this in mind and with summer on the way, the Tavistock area branch of Devon Senior Voice is to hold a free public meeting on the topic of skin-cancer awareness.

Meeting co-organiser Mike Dennis said: 'Experience has shown that speaking to groups is the most effective way of making sure people are aware of the dangers of skin cancer and what to do about them.

'So we have invited Joy Harvey of Westbank, the community health promotion organisation, to talk for about 30 minutes on increasing awareness on prevention and early identification.

'Joy will give tips on checking your skin and what to look for, and what to do if you have any concerns.

'We are a welcoming and friendly group, and would love to see anyone interested in learning something more about this vital health issue.'

The meeting will take place on Thursday, April 23 at the Anchorage Centre in Chapel Street, with tea and coffee from 10am, followed by Joy speaking at 10.30am.

Tavistock Senior Voice's short annual meeting will follow the meeting.

For more information contact Mike on 01822 618142 or email [email protected]">[email protected]