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With the recent good weather, it is worth noting the dangers of over exposure to the sun. The effects of sunburn to young skin is potentially life threatening. It is vital to protect children from over exposure to the sun to prevent problems in later life. As a school we have been touched by the effects of skin cancer and its something we feel obligated to take a pro active roll in combating. this deadly disease.
Be SunSmart in the summer sun
The SunSmart code can help you protect your skin this summer: Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
Make sure you never burn A im to cover up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses
R emember to take extra care with children T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen or higher
Also, report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor
Know the risks
People most at risk of skin cancer tend to have: 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 The strength of UV rays outdoors varies from day to day and according to the time of year. Find out how strong the sun is by looking at the UV Index. Your burn risk depends on the strength of UV rays and your skin type. |
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>>Don't use sunbeds<<
The sun is not the only source of dangerous UV rays. Sunbeds or tanning lamps are artificial sources of UV rays and can also damage your skin. Read more about why you should not use them in our sunbed section.
Be aware of any changes
The advice in this section will help you avoid sun damage and skin cancer. But it is also important to look for any unusual changes that may be the early warning signs of cancer. Report any mole changes or any other unusual skin growths to your doctor or practice nurse without delay. Its also worth noting that the leading cause of wrinkles and skin ageing is uv exposure. That sun tan will add years to your face, as well as increasing your chance of skin cancer.
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Kids cook quick!
How often have you seen small children running around on the beach with no protection from the sun? Or kids having a kick around in the park with their bare backs getting redder and redder? Young skin is more delicate and vulnerable to damage. We also spend much more time outside in our first twenty years or so. So this is a crucial time to be SunSmart. |
Schools and nurseries
Children spend their school lunchbreaks outdoors over the peak UV hours. So it is important to offer sun protection in the summer term. Schools can become more SunSmart by: Developing their own school sun protection policy
incorporating sun protection into the school curriculum
making sure they provide sufficient shade in the school grounds
warning parents about the dangers of too much sun
Parents
Kids are often too busy running around to worry about looking after their skin. But as a parent you can make a real difference to the damage your children receive early in life. On this site you can: Find out why it is important for parents to protect their children's skin
read tips about how you can keep children safe from the sun
buy sunsmart children's hats online.
Spotting Skin Cancer.
When a melanoma is detected at an early stage and treated, it Is usually curable. Some melanomas are hidden in everyday life - by inconspicuous locations on the body; by clothing; even by hair on our heads. But many, if not most, melanomas can be spotted as soon as they arise - if you know what to look for and check for those signs.
The ABCD's of Moles & Melanoma
Most people have a number of brownish spots on their skin - freckles, birthmarks, moles. Almost all such spots are normal, but some may be skin cancers. Key warning signs of melanoma are shown below. Be alert to irregularities in shape, edges, color, and size. The ABCD's of melanoma are as follows: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variability, and Diameter larger than a pencil eraser.
Asymmetry
Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
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Border
The borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother, more even borders
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Color
Common moles usually are a single shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first sign of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white and blue may appear
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Diameter
Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles - generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter).
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SunSmart game
Young people may also be interested in checking out our SunSmart game, quick as a flash. Players need quick reactions to protect our SunSmart character, Shelley, from burning.
Download the wessex cancer trust leaflet on skin cancer here.
SunSmart - the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign. |
