Be SunSmart this summer

Enjoy the sunshine this season, but don’t forget the sunscreen – and make sure you protect your children

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and more people are getting it each year. Most skin cancers are caused by too much sun. They could be prevented by taking care in strong sunshine and avoiding sunburn.

A serious problem

• There are over 70,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the UK
• Many cases are not reported so the real number of cases is probably much higher
• The number of cases has more than doubled since the early 1980s
• Over 2,000 people die from skin cancer each year in the UK

In fact, there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease

Know your risks

Some people have a greater risk of skin cancer. Those with a higher risk tend to have one or more of the following:

• Fair skin that burns in strong sun
• Red or fair hair
• Lots of moles or freckles
• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• Experience of sunburn, especially when young

These people need to make sure that they take extra care when they’re out and about in the summer sun.

Remember to tak e extra care with children

Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun.

Children (like adults) with fair or red hair, pale eyes or freckles are at most risk. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.

Some tips for protecting children in the sun

1. Remember you can burn in the UK

The Great British sun is quite capable of burning your child. Take extra care at home as well as abroad.

2. Know the shadow rule

If your shadow is longer than you are, then you are safe from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun can burn you.

3. Use shade

Keep babies in complete shade: under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors.

4. Cover them up

Dress children in cotton clothing that is baggy, close-weave and cool. Oversized T-shirts are good for covering most of their skin.

5. Use dry clothing

Remember that wet clothing stretches and can lose up to half of its UV protection – put children in dry clothing after playing in water.

6. Protect shoulders and necks

Don’t put children in vest tops or sundresses if they are spending a lot of time outdoors – shoulders and backs of necks get easily burned.

7. Wear sunglasses

Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for children, as soon as they can wear them. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive brands, but toy sunglasses can do more harm than good.

8. Find hats they like

Encourage children to wear hats with brims, especially if they are not wearing sunglasses. The wider the brim, the more skin will be shaded from the sun.

9. Use sunscreen wisely

Apply factor 15+ sunscreen before children go outdoors. Then reapply often to be sure of good coverage. Don’t forget their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and tops of feet.

10. Remember sunscreen washes off

Always use waterproof sunscreen (factor 15+) when children are swimming or playing outdoors with water. Remember to reapply after towelling.

11. Don’t forget school times

Remember play times and lunch breaks on summer school days too. Give children a hat to wear and, if they can’t apply sunscreen at school, cover their exposed skin with factor 15+ before they go.

Buying sunscreen

There will always be times when we are out in the sun without adequate shade or coverup clothing. This is when sunscreen is useful for protecting our exposed skin from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen alone will not protect us completely from sun damage. We should never use sunscreen in order to spend longer in the sun. It should be used to increase our protection.

Choose one:

• With an SPF of 15 or above – this will give you over 90% protection
• Labelled “broad spectrum” – to protect against UVA and UVB
• That is water resistant – it is less likely to wash or be sweated off
• With a valid “use by” date – most sunscreens have a shelf life of 2-3 years
• You can afford – you don’t have to pay for expensive brands. All types are tested and the cheaper brands are just as effective if used properly.

UV index

To help you know when you need to protect yourself, the World Health Organization developed the UV Index. The UV Index is a way of describing the strength of the sun’s rays. It is used in weather forecasts and reports.

The strength of UV rays outside can vary depending on:

• Where you are in the world
• The time of year
• The time of day
• The weather
• How high up you are (altitude)

On a clear summer’s day in the UK, the UV Index may reach seven around midday, but it is rarely higher. Near the equator, the UV Index is often greater. Between October and March, the UV Index is normally lower than three, so even people with fair skin do not need to protect their skin.

You can check the UV Index forecast for different parts of the UK and Europe at the Met Office website. Visit: www.met-office.gov.uk

For information about skin types and The SunSmart Code

The SunSmart code can help you protect your skin this summer (see chart below). Finding skin cancer early sav es lives

Be SunSmart in the Summer Sun Those most at risk are people with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer. Know your skin type and use the UV Index to find out when you need to protect yourself. Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3 The summer sun is most damaging to your skin in the middle of the day. Make sure you never burn Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer. Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses When the sun is at its peak, sunscreen is not enough. Remember to take extra care with children Young skin is delicate. Keep babies out of the sun, especially around midday. Then use factor 15+ sunscreen Apply sunscreen generously and reapply often. also… Report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

You may have some moles or dark patches on your skin that are flat or slightly raised. Usually these will remain harmless all your life. But moles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour over weeks or months in adult life should be shown to your doctor.

Check your skin regularly for changes using the ABCD rule. This is especially important if you are fair-skinned with lots of moles or freckles. If you notice any of the following signs, see your doctor without delay.

The ABCD rule

Asymmetry The two halves of a melanoma may not look the same. Border Edges of a melanoma may be irregular, blurred or jagged. Colour The colour of a melanoma may be uneven, with more than one shade. Diameter Many melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter, the size of a pencil eraser.

Other signs of skin cancer:

• A new growth or sore that won’t heal
• A spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts
• A mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs

Any changes in a mole, freckle or patch of normal skin that occur quickly over weeks or months should be taken seriously. See your doctor without delay.

 

SunSmart is the national skin cancer prevention campaign. The campaign is funded by the UK Health Departments. For information about skin cancer and how to enjoy the sun safely, go to: www.sunsmart.org.uk

 

 

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