The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has joined forces with the Bermuda Weather Service in a new effort to combat the growing trend of skin cancer in Bermuda.

As of this week, the Bermuda Weather Service’s website is highlighting the forecasted levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation — a major cause of skin cancer.

A spokeswoman for the Centre said dialogue with the Bermuda Weather Service started several years ago, but picked up recently when a member of the public who survived skin cancer brought the two groups together again.

“There are good reasons for this renewed interest,” the spokeswoman said. “Each year, the Centre closely monitors the skin cancer reports produced by the Bermuda National Tumour Registry, and there has been a 25 to 30 percent increase in skin cancer diagnoses since 2010.

“Equally alarming, is the fact that the Bermuda incidence of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, in the adult population is 12 percent higher than the national average in the US as reported by the National Cancer Institute.”

Along with skin cancer, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can lead to sunburns and damage to the skin and eyes.

“Although one can see sunlight and feel infrared radiation as heat, it is not possible to see or feel UV radiation,” she said. “UV radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days, so people are asked to not rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine when they need to protect themselves from the sun.”

Through the partnership, the Bermuda Weather Service will include UV forecasts on its front page, with UV Values for the current day displayed until 4pm, at which time it is replaced by a forecast for the following day.

Meanwhile the service’s detailed public forecasts will include values for both the day it is viewed and the following day.

The spokeswoman explained that a UV value of one or two indicate low levels of UV radiation and there is no need to wear sunscreen. UV values between three and seven mean that some protection such as sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, is recommended, while extra protection is needed when UV values pass level eight.

Despite the wet and overcast weather, yesterday’s UV level was listed as ten, while levels are expected to reach 11 today.

The spokeswoman said: “UV can’t be seen or felt and can be damaging even on cool or cloudy days. When the UV is forecasted to reach three or above it indicates that UV exposure will damage skin and eyes and increase your risk for skin cancer.”