An amateur cricketer who has had skin cancer despite taking precautions has said he is “probably not aware enough” of the dangers – and is now urging others not to make the same mistake. same mistake.

Chris Maguire said the UK’s “cloudy and rainy” weather could be confusing.

He’s now joined the Northwest Cancer Research to urge people to apply sunscreen as summer temperatures start to soar.

“It’s probably the best decision you’ve made,” said the 51-year-old.

Mr Maguire, from Lancashire, said he was diagnosed with the disease after noticing a spot “smaller than a grain of rice” on the top of his head while showering last year.

“It’s going to fall down and go back to where it was so my wife said I’d better go check it out,” she said.

“I don’t go out in the sun a lot. I don’t lie on a sunbed. I tend to wear sunscreen, I play cricket a lot and always wear a cap – but that’s not UV- protected. Maybe I wasn’t aware enough.”

He was diagnosed earlier this year and treated at Chorley Hospital.

“Everybody’s symptoms are different,” he says. “But if you have a nagging point, then check it out because it’s probably the best decision you’ve made.”

Mr Maguire also encouraged people to check any symptoms with their GP.

Alastair Richards, executive director of Northwestern Cancer Research, said: “We think that’s because, as a region, we’re used to it being cloudy and rainy.

“So when people see the sun, they go out, they want to enjoy it, but they often forget to put on the sunscreen that they would put on if they were on vacation.”

Sarah Allinson, a skin cancer specialist at Lancaster University, said: “For example, the UV index in Manchester at noon could be 7, which is high, and that number is exactly the same as the index. UV in Nice, southern France Good.

“So if you’re in the south of France, you’ll probably put on some sunscreen. You might not if you’re new to Manchester today.”

Ms Allinson said: “We know that burns, especially in children, are associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

“It’s important to know what your skin looks like normally, so if you have a mole that’s starting to act a little differently, get a little bigger, change color, see your GP. family and check.”

She adds that “a person with fair skin, with lots of freckles has a higher risk of skin cancer than someone with darker skin”.

“However, this does not mean that dark-skinned people are not at risk and it is important that everyone, regardless of their skin type, take appropriate measures to protect themselves, both at home and while on vacation abroad.”