Whilst we're all heading out to do fun summer activities now we've got some sunshine in the UK, it's vital to remember to wear sun cream - and reapply it as often as required. In the UK there are around 2,300 deaths from melanoma skin cancer each year and experts predict that is set to rise, with predictions forecasting there will be 26,500 cases a year by 2038, compared to 16,700 a year now.
Melanoma Focus claim that around 4,000 cases a year are linked to poverty, hence asking the Government to scrap VAT on sun cream and save the public 20% of the price. On a £3.50 bottle of sun screen, that could bring the price down to £2.90 - and on a 8 hour all day £10 bottle would mean a new price of £8.30.
In Australia sun screen is subsidised by the Government which is an even bigger step - but with weather warnings being issued frequently in the UK already this year, a tax saving would be very welcome. Melanoma Focus surveyed 2,003 adults, and found that 10% don't use suncream because it's too expensive, whilst 67% thought they would use it more if it was cheaper.
Their study also found that many people don't know the symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which includes a mole changing shape or colour or just generally feeling unusual - or a sore on the skin that's itchy or has lumps, or bleeds or scabs - or just generally doesn't heel for 4 weeks. For more details of what to look out for, please do check this page of the Melanoma UK website.
When shopping for sun screen, look for at least an SPF of 15 (ideally 30 or 50 - 50 for kids) but also look at the UVA rating. This is displayed on the bottom as a circle with stars in it - a circle with 5 stars is the best rating you can get. Personally, we always use Boots Soltan range for this reason - when my son was a baby it was the only one I could find that had SPF 50 AND a UVA of 5 stars - there may be others now a few years on but as their whole range has 5* UVA protection we've just stuck with it. (We also like the 8 hours protection and a spray so it's not so gloopy when it goes on - our kids are therefore generally cooperative with it being applied, and we know they're set for the day, so whilst it's a more expensive option at around £10 a bottle - and it's not really like us to go for a more expensive option - I think this is worth it!)
If you're out in the sun this weekend, or any time over the coming months, remember to be as careful as possible in the sun. If you can stand it, wear light long sleeved tops and trousers - cover up and don't expose more than you need to. Also, always remember to wear a hat - one with a piece of material that covers the back of your neck is fantastic. Where possible, avoid the sun in the middle of the day and stay in the shade as much as you can.
Besides skin cancer, these steps, along with drinking plenty of water, can also help you avoid sun stroke which isn't very nice either.
Be especially careful of young children and babies in the sun, who's delicate skin can be even more prone to burning - consider a sun shelter tent with a SPF for making a fun "base" in the garden, or put a paddling pool under a gazebo (and move it as the sun moves so it stays in the shade).
