Sun protection initiatives in Cornwall

Abstract

Recent evidence indicates that there are significant numbers of cases of malignant melanoma in the UK. In order to assess the current position with regard to sun awareness in Cornwall, a questionnaire survey of all state primary school heads (n = 123) and a survey of a random sample of GP practices (n = 9) was carried out. The data obtained were supported by visits to libraries and Tourist Information Centres at urban and rural centres--this enabled the identification of sun awareness literature. Key health professionals who worked within the field of health promotion were also contacted. The findings showed that in Cornwall public campaigns organized around the issue of sun protection took place only sporadically, although GP surgeries usually organize a display at the appropriate time of the year. None of the public places (e.g. Tourist Information Centres, libraries) surveyed had sun protection messages on display. It is concluded that insufficient sun awareness initiatives were being undertaken in Cornwall. Although most primary schools included sun awareness education in their curriculum in a form based on the Sun Awareness Guidelines produced by the Department of Health in 1995, few schools considered further measures to protect pupils on hot and sunny days. In particular the provision of shade, the scheduling of outdoor activities and the use of sunscreen and protective clothing were not standard.

Young park users’ attitudes and behaviour to sun protection

“…In 1995, a list of Seven Sun Awareness Guidelines was disseminated to all English schools to implement changes to the school policy, environment and curriculum (21). A number of follow-up studies indicated a first level of change based on these guidelines had been established in schools but more work needed to be done and more resources were required to be invested and the sun safety initiative applied consistently (7,21,28). Further follow up indicated that environmental support was considered key to altering behaviour in schools, for example, provision of a shaded outdoor area.…”

“…Solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) is established as a human carcinogen (1,2) although there is some scientific uncertainty about the exact relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer (3,4). The worldwide incidence of cutaneous (skin) melanoma is rising (2,(5)(6)(7), with approximately 100,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United Kingdom (UK), including around 7,000 new cases of malignant melanoma (8). The association between melanoma development and frequency of sunburn and sun exposure has been established (1,2,7).…”

“…The worldwide incidence of cutaneous (skin) melanoma is rising (2,(5)(6)(7), with approximately 100,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United Kingdom (UK), including around 7,000 new cases of malignant melanoma (8). The association between melanoma development and frequency of sunburn and sun exposure has been established (1,2,7).…”

Sun safety: what are the health messages?

“…3,4 The worldwide and UK incidence of cutaneous (skin) melanoma is rising. 2,5,6,7 In the UK, approximately 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed yearly, which includes 7000 new cases of malignant melanoma. 8 The Health Protection Agency has named malignant melanoma as one of the four non-infectious diseases that will impact on future National Health Service (NHS) resources and create a largely preventable burden of disease.…”

“…The association between melanoma development and frequency of sunburn and sun exposure has been established, albeit without conclusive scientific evidence to fully interpret the causal relationship. 1,2,7 Lifestyle changes, such as increased overseas travel and greater outdoor leisure activities, have led to an increase in human exposure to sunlight. The depletion of the ozone layer coupled with the aesthetics associated with tanned skin, and use of artificial sources of tanning, means that UVR exposure is a serious worldwide public health issue for countries with large Caucasian populations.…”