4th June 2003
CHILDHOOD SUN SAFETY SAVES LIVES
Helping children stay sun safe could reduce the risk of skin cancer later in their lives, say experts.
Several studies have shown that getting sunburnt as a child can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life - it usually takes about 20 to 30 years to develop - and some research even suggests that getting badly sunburnt twice in childhood could double the risk of later skin cancer. As a result, experts are calling on parents to be aware of sun safety issues and to help their children learn the importance of covering up, using sun cream and avoiding the midday sun.
Dr. Rachael Morris-Jones, a dermatologist at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, said, "Research shows that UV exposure and sunburn in childhood play important parts in the development of melanomas in later years. As parents and carers it's our responsibility to protect children from damaging UV exposure that could lead to sunburn and skin cancer."
Children learn by example, she added, emphasising that, "Studies in Australia show that children be taught to protect themselves from the sun."
According to Cancer Research UK, 6,000 people a year are diagnosed with malignant melanomas and a further 59,000 people develop non-melanoma skin cancer.
Where to next?- Fancy a chat? Visit our Your Shout discussion forum
- Read our sun protection tips
- See how children's sun creams fared when we put them to the test
- Learn how to keep your child safe outdoors
- Going out and about? Get ideas on the Days out board