Campaigning

In addition to providing much-needed support to people affected by skin cancer, and their families, MASScot has been active in campaigning in a number areas, including;

  • Sunbed Regulations

MASScot campaigned strongly on this issue; we gave evidence and served on the parliamentary consultation committee for the introduction of sunbed regulations which were agreed by the Scottish Parliament in 2009. The first UK country to introduce these. The regulations include:

  • Under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008: Coin operated sun beds are not allowed.
  • A member of staff must be supervising sunbed use.
  • Sunbed operators are not allowed to hire sunbeds to under 18s.
  • Sunbed operators must show information on the health risks linked with using a sunbed.

Despite the legislation, we believe further measures are required to ensure that this is enforced properly.

  • Clinical Nurse Specialists in Skin Cancers

In 2004, there were no skin cancer clinical nurse specialists in Scotland, and there was no plan in place to provide them. MASScot campaigned hard for their introduction and in 2015 there were 10 across Scotland.

However, we recognise more are needed to ensure every patient in Scotland has access to a specialist nurse regardless of where they live.

We will continue to campaign in this area.

  • Access to New Medicines

Submissions to the Scottish Medicines Consortium, representing patients at PACE and final SMC decision meetings – to gain access to new drugs. Drug therapy for melanoma stage 3 and 4 costs around £80K for one year’s therapy for one patient. Despite the price there is no guarantee and there can be serious side effects requiring hospital admission. £80K could pay for eight new hips allowing people to become independent.

  • Sun Awareness Education in Schools

Since launching our educational resource in 2013, more than 60,000 pupils across Scotland have benefited from it and learnt about the dangers of over-exposure to sun.

You can find out more about our Education Project here.

  • Removal of VAT on Sun Protection Creams

At MASScot, we believe that sun protection products should be VAT exempt. We support all efforts made to push the UK Government on this and regularly engage with elected representatives on the subject.

  • Campaigning at Public Events

As well as our school education project, we also participate in outdoor events where we speak to the public; raising awareness of skin cancer risks and distributing free sunscreen. In 2016, we attended T in the Park, the Tiree Ultra Marathon, and other smaller events such as the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games.  This will continue.

Satrosphere Project – We also collaborated with NHS Grampian in providing the content for an interactive learning app, to be exhibited at the Satrosphere Science Centre in Aberdeen. This interactive learning portal will allow children visiting the centre to learn about sun safety in a fun and interactive way.

  • Cross Party Group on Cancer at Scottish Parliament

MASScot are a member of the cross party group on cancer at Holyrood, a group which acts as a channel of communications between the Scottish Parliament and it’s elected members and people and organisations working in cancer research, treatment, care and prevention across Scotland.

Find out more about that Cross Party Group here:
https://archive2021.parliament.scot/msps/cancer.aspx