Durban - Temperatures are on the rise, and the UV index along with it. This means we are all more at risk of damage from UV rays, with children the most vulnerable to sun exposure.
Kudos, then, to the Be Sun Smart school programme that makes sunscreen instantly accessible to school pupils and instils in them vital sun-safety habits from an early age.
The programme sees Nivea sunscreen dispensers installed at schools in KwaZulu-Natal and provides sun-safety education in the lead-up to the summer season.
“Often mothers send children to school with sunscreen, but it never leaves their school bag. We’re on a drive to get schools prepared and equipped with sunscreen before it really gets hot outside,” says Hayleigh Bott, co-founder of Be Sun Smart.
The project was launched in KwaZulu-Natal in 2014 by Bott and another concerned Durban mother, Donna Short, in partnership with Nivea Sun.
The objectives are threefold. Firstly, to make sunscreen instantly accessible when and where it is needed most at schools; secondly, to make sun care part of children’s every day routine; and thirdly, to educate children on sun safety.
The learning environment of school is the perfect place for children to learn about sun safety.
Dr Marc Roscher of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, highlights the need for sun protection at school level.
“Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa, and skin cancer rates in this country are the second highest in the world.
“While the majority of skin cancers are detected in older patients, this cancer stems from sun damage earlier on in life.
“Research shows that reducing childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation is an important step to minimising lifetime skin cancer risk.”
He adds that children are more vulnerable to sun damage in a shorter space of time, because their skin is thinner than an adult’s and far more sensitive.
Dr Caradee Wright, who has published research studies on sun safety in South Africa, also emphasises the important role that schools and educators play.
“Evidence shows that interventions at primary school level can reduce sunburn incidence and new melanocytic mole development. The school environment can support healthy child sun exposure and reduce risk of skin cancer later in life. We want to work with schools and parents alike to help make sunscreen use as necessary and routine as brushing your teeth,” says Short.
With 44 schools signed up, and some 6 775 pupils getting UV protection at school through the Be Sun Smart programme, the initiative is gaining momentum in KwaZulu-Natal.
Cara Noble, Cansa’s divisional services manager for KwaZulu-Natal, says: “Educating our youth on the dangers of the sun is a high priority for Cansa, which is why we support the educational programme.
“It takes a fun and lighthearted approach to drive a serious message home – you can prevent skin cancer, by looking after your skin and being aware of the sun.”
The educational programme includes a school roadshow for participating pre-primary and primary schools. The stage show features fun characters, song and dance.
Also, a hard-hitting, yet lighthearted educational talk by Cansa is conducted at high schools to drive home the importance of sun smart habits.
“I see more and more people with skin cancer every month, and it’s happening far too often,” says Roscher.
“Sun protection in youth is vital because a child’s skin is thinner than that of an adult, and is far more sensitive, which means they are more vulnerable to more sun damage within a shorter space of time. Most of us receive our total lifetime of sun exposure before we turn 18.
“Another step to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to do regular skin checks. Look out for any changes in moles (especially new, black-coloured moles), changes in size, shape, colour or feel.”
His advice is that children be taught to wear a broadspectrum, and at least an SPF 30 sunscreen from a reputable brand – and don’t forget the scalp, ears, neck and back of hands.
Remember sunscreen is a great first line of defence, but needs to be accompanied by other sun safety practices.
Minimise the amount of time children spend in the intense sun – between 10am and 3pm. If their shadow is shorter than they are, it’s time to head for the shade.
It has been proven that people don’t use the correct amount of sunscreen, therefore higher SPFs are necessary for the prevention of skin cancer and photo ageing. Teach children to lather up properly. Remember, skin cancer risk doubles with more than five sunburns in your lifetime.
Think of exposure to UV radiation beginning as an empty glass, filling up a drop at a time. Even at a drop at a time, the glass will eventually fill up. If it overflows, you have a problem.
Add up every minute you’re in the sun during a regular day and you’ll be surprised how much time that can be.
A recent snapshot study conducted by Caradee Wright and Patricia Albers, Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, analysed samples tested at two KwaZulu-Natal laboratories.
The study found that 17 349 skin cancer samples were processed between October last year and June this year. Of those, 68.2 percent were basal carcinoma, 26.5 percent squamous cell carcinoma, and 5.2 percent melanoma.
l If you require further information visit skincancerfoundation.org.za
The Mercury