Primary school sun safety lessons trialled

Children as young as five years old learn to check UV levels and apply sunscreen, as part of a new pilot to reduce future cases of skin cancer.

The initiative, currently tested in Kent primary schools, should be introduced into personal, social, health and economic prices (PSHE) on a national level from 2026.

Melanoma, the most serious shape of skin cancer, is linked to exposure to UVs – and experts say that sunburn in childhood considerably increases the risk later in life.

In 2021, around 18,300 people received a diagnosis of melanoma in the United Kingdom, according to Cancer Research. This figure should reach 21,300 by 2026, according to the charity.

Michelle Baker, from Charity Melanoma Fund, who is behind the education project, said that changing children’s habits is essential.

“People think that melanoma is the disease of an elderly person,” she says, “but it is often sown in childhood.”

She says that the project aims to “cultivate skin cancer of the next generation”.

Giving children a feeling of control and responsibility for their sun protection is at the heart of this. “We say it’s your superpower,” she adds.

At Platt primary school in Maidstone, students learn to read UV clues, properly apply sunscreen and understand when they need protection.

The head of the school Emma Smith said that the students were “really receptive”.

“If we educate them early, they are more likely to keep this knowledge as they age – especially when social media starts to influence their choices.”

The child’s safety reader occurs while Cancer Research UK said that the increase in melanoma cases in adults is a particular source of concern.

A recent study by the charity has revealed that deaths against cancer cost the British economy 10.3 billion pounds sterling per year, more than any other state of health – stressing the importance of preventive measures.

The consultant dermatologist, Dr. Katie Lacy, says that the education of children on how to deal with their skin is essential to reduce melanoma levels.

Research shows that nine out of 10 cases are caused by exposure to sun UV and bleeding.

Obtaining a sunburn regularly increases the chances of skin cancer. Dr. Lacy underlines that there is no “safe tan”, explaining that tanning is a response to skin damage.

“Most melanomas do not come from existing moles-so if you notice something new, have it checked,” she adds.

It also highlights the growing role of AI in the screening of suspicious moles within the NHS – which could help rationalize references to specialized services.

The ABCDE control list can help identify if a mole is abnormal:

A-Asymmetrical (does the taupe have an uneven form?)

B – Border (are the edges blurred or shredded?)

C – Color (is it an uneven color with different shades and tones?)

D – Diameter (is the taupe larger than your others?)

E-evolution (does he change, as starting to itch, bleed or become crisp?)

Source: Research UK cancer

For Kara Leece, diagnosed with melanoma at 29, the message is personal.

“If I had had this primary school education, I think I could have kept it,” she told BBC News.

“Now, I have a scar that reminds me of what I experienced. When the children ask about this, I tell them my story – because I don’t want it to happen to someone else.”

• Try to keep the children in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is stronger
• Pull them with wide edges, sunglasses and clothes to cover their skin.
• The sunscreen is also very important-apply it regularly and generously, and make sure it is at least SPF 30 and four or five stars

Source: Research UK cancer