A sun safety photo booth is the centrepiece of a new campaign raising awareness of skin cancer – an ever-increasing health problem in the North West.
The Ultra Violet (UV) photo booth shows people how they can better apply sun screen and where their skin can be damaged by sunlight. It is part of an education programme at the Catalyst science discovery centre and museum, explaining the science behind sun protection and how to stay safe in the sunshine.
With hotter, drier summers predicted for the North West and a growing incidence of skin cancer across the region, the campaign hopes to improve how people keep themselves protected from sun exposure.
The booth graphically shows you how effective you have been when applying sunscreen with a photo that highlights the patches of skin which are not protected and could still be damaged by harmful UV rays. It can also reveal how quickly sun screen soaks away before it needs to be re-applied.
The machine, sponsored by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) through Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action, will be part of the twice-daily Sun Protection Scientists – Summer Workshops running between the 9th and 22nd August at the centre in Widnes.
The workshops will help people understand the chemical basis for sun protection products, how they work, how effective they are and why it is vital to stay sun safe, even on the dullest day of summer in the North West.
The workshops will also inform people of the myths surrounding suncream, the quantity to use, understanding bottle labels, sun protection careers, and scientific testing of sun creams using UV beads.
According to North West Cancer Research, the prevalence of skin cancer is 13% higher than the national average in our region, with rates in Liverpool 35% higher and Cheshire 32% higher. In Cheshire and Merseyside, between June 2024 and May 2025 the overall number of suspected skin cancer patients seen after an urgent GP referral was 43,007 compared with 40,991 in the previous 12-month period. Cancer Research UK calculates that nine in 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by exposure to too much UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds.
Mr Alex Benson, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon and CMCA Clinical Lead for Skin Cancer, said: “The number of skin cancer cases is rising in the North West so it is important that everyone understands how sunlight can cause it and what they can do to protect themselves.
“Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple your risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never getting burned. And sunburn does not just occur when it is hot – it can also happen on cloudy days. So, it is vital that people protect themselves from too much sun and apply sunscreen properly.
“This photo booth is an excellent idea as it can show where people are going wrong when applying sunscreen. They need to cover all areas of skin that will be exposed to the sun. The message is don’t be slapdash when slapping on your sun protection!”
Nikki Burton Mallot, Chief Executive Officerof Catalyst, said: “At Catalyst we are committed to making science engaging and educational – what better way to do this then create a bespoke workshop about sunscreen where our guests can understand not just the science of sun protection, but also the importance of taking care of themselves.
“As an educational charity, our remit goes beyond being a visitor attraction, we also strive to be a key contributor to our community and add social value, unlocking conversations about wider topics through our interactive activities and offering.”
Tracey Wright, Deputy Directorof CMCA, said: “As an organisation we are striving to improve cancer services, treatment and care across Cheshire and Merseyside, but it is also important to reduce the number of people who develop cancer in the first place.
“Skin cancer is an increasing problem across our population and this initiative is a great way to educate people in taking care of themselves and reducing their risk of developing it.”
Workshop Dates
The workshops will take place twice a day at 12.30pm and again at 3pm running between the 9th and 22nd August.
Price
Tickets cost £2.75 per person and can be booked via the Catalyst website, https://www.catalyst.org.uk/event/sun-protection-scientists-summer-workshops/
The photo booth will be available for visitors to use during Catalyst’s normal opening hours.
You can significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer by keeping in the shade between 10am and 3pm, covering up with the right clothing and a hat and making sure to always wear sun screen with an SPF of 30 or above.
Avoiding sunbeds will also dramatically decrease your risk of developing skin cancer.