Sun exposure in the first ten years of life largely determines your child's lifetime potential for skin cancer.
A child’s skin is thinner, more sensitive and can be damaged more easily. In fact, most skin damage occurs before an individual turns 18 years old. Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is the most common cancer in young people aged 12–24.
To promote early intervention, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre launched a SunSmart programme over six years ago, targeting schools and summer camps across the Island. The SunSmart programme’s main goal is to increase the awareness of our youth about the importance of practising SunSmart behaviours while outdoors and to teach children and their families how they can protect their skin.
In 2009, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre launched a SunSmart accreditation programme for summer camps island-wide. This is a free programme that summer camps can participate in. To become a SunSmart accredited camp there are several requirements including submitting an application questionnaire (a tool to gather information on current practices at the camp), camp counsellors attending a training session (dangers of over exposure to the sun and the importance of protecting children are among the topics discussed), and developing and implementing a SunSmart policy.
Finally all camps are assessed by a Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre observer (an opportunity to evaluate if camps are adhering to their SunSmart policy and promoting SunSmart behaviours at their camp).
As a parent, guardian or care giver, you can make the greatest difference in a child’s risk for skin cancer.
Parents, guardians and care givers can reduce a child’s risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers by being proactive and following the precautions necessary to protect their skin.
Role modelling positive SunSmart behaviours is not only important for your own health, but also your child’s. In much the same way as learning to talk, children can learn the importance of being SunSmart from their parents. Children are quick to mimic behaviours, be sure to lead by example. Children whose parents practise sun protective behaviours are more likely to practise sun protection themselves.
It is important to use a combination of methods to protect our skin from UV radiation as sunscreen on its own is not enough.
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre recommends that everyone should follow 5 simple steps to be SunSmart. They include:
n Slipping on loose fitting clothing that covers the skin as much as possible (use shirts with collars and longer sleeves). Clothing with UV protection is recommended.
Always take extra clothing when going to the beach as dry shirts offer better protection in comparison to wet shirts.
Dark colours such as green, red or blue also offer better protection than light coloured shirts.
n Slopping on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen. Sunscreen must be applied on to dry skin 20-30 minutes prior to going outside, and re-applied every 2 hours. Approximately a shot glass full of sunscreen should be used for each application. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your neck and behind your ears.
n Slapping on a broad brimmed hat. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your ears, eyes and face. If you are wearing a baseball cap don’t forget to apply extra sunscreen on your neck and behind your ears.
n Seeking shade. Limit your time in the midday sun (between 10am and 4pm). Try to plan outdoor activities before and after peak times. Remember the Shadow Rule: Watch your shadow. No shadow? Seek shade.
n Sliding on sunglasses. Wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection to protect your eyes. Ensure children wear wraparound UV protective sunglasses so that they stay in place.
Teenagers aren't great at protecting themselves. They worry about their image, feel covering up is a hassle and, most of the time, just forget.
Help your children understand the importance of protecting themselves; encourage SunSmart behaviours by making sunscreen and broad brimmed hats readily available when your children will be going outdoors. Allow teens to help choose their own hat, sunscreen, clothing, and board shorts, so the style is acceptable to them.
Babies and toddlers have extremely sensitive skin. Cover your baby head-to-toe in lightweight clothing. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. After six months of age, apply children's sunscreen and reapply sunscreen every two hours. Try and plan outings for early in the morning or later in the afternoon, before and after the peak times when the sun’s rays are most intense 10-4pm.
We certainly don't want to stop children from having fun, but it is extremely important that they are not over exposed to the sun’s rays. Your children depend on you — it is key that you protect the skin that they’re in!
