Danger of skin cancer is too often ignored

Readers say that too much exposure to the sun can pose a skin-cancer risk. Other topics: Pakistan, internships, abandoned cars and security.

Readers say that too much exposure to the sun can pose a skin-cancer risk. Eloy Alonso / Reuters

I was pleased to read Five-minute test can save lives, say UAE doctors (April 15), about the need to find a healthy balance of sun exposure.

Every year, we have massive awareness campaigns relating to breast cancer and diabetes. However, we seem to forget about the one area where people put themselves at risk virtually every day.

I think there should be large awareness campaigns, and other education programmes, about sun safety, plus free or reduced-cost skin checks.

Too many people go and sit in the sun and bake themselves, unaware of the risks that could cost them their lives.

Emma Schlegel, Dubai

Scans for the most frequent types of cancers should be made compulsory.

M Marco, Dubai

Pakistan unable to lend support

This letter refers to the furore about the decision by Pakistan's parliament not to support the coalition forces against Yemen (Pakistan is right to rethink its Yemen misstep, April 13).

Why has everyone forgotten that, for most of the past five decades, Pakistan has been an active supporter of its allies and has fought many battles not just for itself but for the safety of other Muslim countries?

For this, Pakistan has paid a heavy price – with insurgencies, Talibanisation, ethnic violence and so on.

Pakistan is on the brink of collapse due to the battles ­already being fought within the country. It needs time to sort out its own problems, not indulge the interests of others.

Name withheld by request

Pakistan has been fighting against the Taliban since ­September 11, 2001, and has lost thousands of citizens and soldiers.

On its eastern border, India is increasing its military stockpile every day. So, Pakistan is already involved in confrontations along two borders.

There is no doubt that Arabs are our brothers and have helped us in our hours of need. Pakistan has stood by them in various wars in the past, but it is too much to expect a poor country to get involved in a third war right now.

Mohammad Othman, Pakistan

Fakes and crime go hand in hand

I read your editorial, Fake goods come at a high price (April 15), with interest.

Aren’t all “fake” goods and services tied to crime, terrorism or slavery to at least some degree?

April Tarman, Dubai

Forget about fakes. People still buy authentic goods knowing that they were made in sweatshops or tested on animals.

S Calderwood, Dubai

Time to clean up the streets

There are several abandoned vehicles parked near the India Social and Cultural Centre in Mina Street, Abu Dhabi.

Some of them have been there for more than a year and are covered in dust.

Not only is it unhealthy to allow these vehicles to remain where they are, they are taking up precious parking space. I hope the authorities will take urgent action to remove them.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Internship site a boon for pupils

I was pleased to read Dubai teens launch website to help school pupils find internships (April 15).

This is a brilliant idea.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Bowling coach paid a high price

I am writing in praise of Allan Donald, who this week resigned as bowling coach for the South African cricket team.

Donald brought the Proteas to a high standard, but he paid the price because of the team’s poor performance at the World Cup.

South Africa spent 22 years in the cricket wilderness, it will now be there for at least another four years. Sadly, Allan Donald has been collateral damage.

AR Modak, South Africa

Security must be a priority

The sequence of events described in UK mother was spared by Reem killer, court told (May 15) should serve as a wake-up call about security on business premises.

Business owners must take security seriously. Many large establishments have below-par security standards.

Name withheld by request