SUMMER is fast approaching, which often means tons of fun in the sun, especially if you live near the ocean. However, two Durban mothers have banded together to warn and educate the community on the dangers of the sun.

According to The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) the country has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. What is more, over 80 per cent of skin damage occurs before the age of 18.

It is for these reasons that Hayleigh Bott and Donna Short launched the Be Sun Smart initiative three years ago.

“We are both mothers with little children, who wanted to create more education and awareness around cancer and sun protection in schools,” she said.

“Children spend most of their time at school, where mums can’t always keep a watchful eye. Also, we noted that many schools did not always have sunscreen readily available, so we wanted to help facilitate that,” she added.

The aim she said was to instill a habit among the children in the schools of KwaZulu-Natal to always be sun-safe.

“Healthy habits are not going to be formed on the weekends on the beach,” she said.

Cara Noble, of CANSA said pupils typically receive massive amounts of sun exposure while at school, as recess, which can span between 10am to 3pm, occurs when the sun is most intense.

“Regardless of age and skin colour, every child should be taught to adopt a complete sun protection regimen. Research shows that reducing childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation is an important step to minimising lifetime skin cancer risk,” she said.

Currently the project, which has received support from both CANSA and Nivea Sun has reached 24 000 pupils from 90 registered schools.

The project encourages schools to install sunscreen dispensers at strategic sites such as the playground, sports field or swimming pool. Annual education programmes are also provided to the kids, teaching them to apply sunscreen and to wear a T-shirt and hat when they are in the sun.

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