A SCIENTIST'S dream of developing a practical early warning test for skin cancer becomes reality this week.

Two years ago Mark Birch-Machin, an expert on skin cancer at Newcastle University, revealed that he had developed the world's first DNA test for skin cancer.

At that time, Dr Birch-Machin predicted that a commercially available test could soon be available.

Now a professor, he confirmed that the world's first test, which assesses the damage that people have done to their skin through sun exposure, is finally available.

This week, anyone willing to pay £275 for a tiny sample of their skin to be analysed and a personalised lifestyle assessment can go to the Bupa hospital in Washington, Wearside.

The scientific test, which was unveiled as holidaymakers make plans to top up their tans on warm winter breaks, can reveal the extent of the genetic damage by years of sunbathing.

The new test, called skinphysical, is based on pioneering work by Prof Birch-Machin and his colleagues, together with a Canadian company, called Genesis Genomics.

Few people realise that once their suntan has faded the damage to their skin remains.

This damage accumulates with every exposure to the sun, leading to skin ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer in later life.

By undergoing the new test and completing a detailed lifestyle questionnaire, anyone worried about the status of their skin will be able to find out how best to protect themselves.

Prof Birch-Machin, who addressed a Wellness Show yesterday at Newcastle Racecourse, hopes that the service could eventually be available on the NHS.

For more information about skinphysical, contact Bupa on 0191-418 8687.

More details are also available at www.wellness-show.co