Teaming up to fight against skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa, and skin cancer rates in South Africa are among the highest in the world.

To combat this the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA) have teamed up to support the ‘Be Sun Smart’ school programme aimed at installing sunscreen dispensers at schools.

The most vital step to reducing skin cancer is to keep children protected from UV radiation while they are outside especially between 10am and 3pm, as well as encouraging sun smart habits from an early age.

“Research shows that reducing childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation is an important step to minimising lifetime skin cancer risk. Children are especially at risk of UV radiation exposure and more vulnerable to sun damage in a shorter space of time, because their skin is thinner than an adult’s and far more sensitive,” said Dr Marc Roscher of SCFSA, who has helped grow ‘Be Sun Smart’.

Dr Caradee Wright stresses that schools have an important role to play.

“Evidence shows that interventions by schools at primary school level can reduce sunburn incidents and new melanocytic mole development. This means that the school environment can support healthy child sun exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life. In South Africa, sun protection has not been a top priority for public schools because these schools have other pressing issues that take precedence,” said Wright.

‘Be Sun Smart’ was launched in KZN last year by two concerned Durban mothers, Hayleigh Bott and Donna Short, in partnership with Nivea Sun.

The ‘Be Sun Smart’ 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 everyday routine; and thirdly, to educate children on sun safety.

With 37 schools signed up, and roughly 4 000 pupils getting UV protection at school through this programme, ‘Be Sun Smart’ is gaining momentum.

Bott said their main goal is to make sunscreen use as necessary and routine as brushing your teeth.

For more information contact Hayleigh on 082 419 2969 or info@besunsmart.co.za.