Primary school sun safety lessons trialled

Children under the age of five are taught how to control UV levels and apply sunscreen as part of a new pilot aiming to reduce future skin cancer cases.

Currently, the initiative in primary schools throughout the city is planned to be presented to personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) courses throughout 2026.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is linked to UV exposure, and experts say that childhood sunburn significantly increases the risk in later life.

According to cancer research, in 2021, approximately 18,300 people were diagnosed with melanoma in the UK. Charity, this figure is expected to rise to 21,300 by 2026.

Michelle Baker from the Charity Melanoma Fund behind the training project, said child habits have changed early.

“People think that melanoma is an old person’s disease,” he says, “but he’s usually seeded in childhood.”

He says the project aims to “grow skin cancer from next generation”.

It is at the center of this to give children a sense of control and responsibility for sun protection. “We say this is your superpower,” he adds.

At the Platt Elementary School in Maidstone, students understand that they need to read UV indices, to apply sunscreen properly and to protect them.

Principal Emma Smith said that the students are “really buyers”.

“If we train them early, especially when they begin to affect social media choices, they are more likely to keep this information as they get older.”

Childhood Sun Security Driving Cancer Research In England Says the increase in cases of melanoma There is a special cause of concern among adults.

A recent research from the charity institution, cancer deaths £ 10.3 billion per year to the UK economyMore than all other health conditions – underlining the importance of preventive measures.

Consultant Dermatologist Katie Lacy says it is the key to reducing the melanoma rates of the trainer about how to look at her skin.

Research shows that nine of 10 cases are caused by UV exposure from sun and sunbeds.

Sunburn regularly increases the chance of skin cancer. Dr Lacy emphasizes that there is no such thing as a “safe tanness” and explains that tanning is a response to skin damage.

“Most of the melanomas don’t come from existing moles – so if you notice something new, check it,” he adds.

It also emphasizes the increasing role of AI in scanning suspicious moles in NHS – this can help facilitate directing to expert services.

ABCDE checklist can help determine if a mole is abnormal:

A – Asymmetric (does the mole have an irregular shape?)

B – Border (Are the edges blurred or rough?)

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

D – diameter (Mole is bigger than others?)

E – Development (Does it change like itching, bleeding or being grumpy?)

Source: Cancer Research UK

The message for Kara Leece, which is diagnosed with melanoma at 29, is personal.

“If I had done this training in primary school, I think I could prevent it.”

“Now there is a scar that reminds me of what I’m going through. When the kids ask them, I tell them my story – because I don’t want it to be to anyone else.”

• When the sun is stronger, try to keep children in the shade between 11:00 and 15:00
• Kitin with large -edged hats, sunglasses and clothes to cover their skin.
• Sunscreen is also very important – apply regularly and generously and make sure that there is at least SPF 30 and four or five stars.

Source: Cancer Research UK