Skin Cancer in Australia
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two out of three Australians having some form of skin cancer by the time they are 70. There are three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma – with melanoma being the most dangerous. Several factors contribute to the elevated risk:
Location and Climate
Australia is located near the equator, where the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is higher than in countries further form the equator. Australia also has a predominantly sunny climate, leading to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. This increased sun exposure is a significant risk factor for skin cancer.
Ozone Depletion
Ozone is a naturally occurring element made of three oxygen atoms (O3). Around 90% of ozone in the atmosphere is concentrated between 15 and 30 kilometres above the Earth and absorbs dangerous ultraviolet-B (UV–B) radiation from the sun. Australia experiences higher levels of UV radiation (including UV-B) due to the thinning of the ozone layer over the continent.
Fair Skinned Population
Many Australians, particularly those of European descent, often have fair skin that is more susceptible to UV damage. People with fair skin have less melanin, the pigment that provides some protection against UV radiation. As a result, they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun, increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.
Outdoor Lifestyle
Australians tend to have an outdoor lifestyle, engaging in activities such as beachgoing, sports, and outdoor work. This lifestyle increases the amount of time spent in the sun, leading to higher cumulative UV exposure over a lifetime.
Cultural Attitudes Towards Tanning
Historically, there has been a cultural association with tanned skin being seen as healthy and attractive. The “bronzed Aussie” has long been an Australian icon, and even though this is changing there is still a strong culture of beachgoing and tanning, which can result in intentional and prolonged sun exposure without adequate sun protection.
Climate Change
The idea that higher temperatures can increase the risk of cutaneous photocarcinogenesis (the scientific term for sun cancer) has been around since the 1940s, and since then successive research has shown that increased heat increases the risk of UV radiation caused tumours. The reason for this risk increase appears to be that excess heat causes the creation of heat shock proteins that inhibit cell death signals. While this is a positive response as a whole and can limit some sun damage, it can also protect DNA damaged cells that can lead to cancer and tumour formation.
With all these factors contributing to the prevalence of skin cancer in Australia, it makes sense to ingrain sun smarts as early as possible. Being sun smart at school is a great way to not only protect young skin from the negative effects of the sun, but also educate young minds on how they can avoid becoming a sun cancer statistic in the future.
Making Your School Sun Smart
When it comes to sun protection, the Australian Cancer Council recommends five alliterative steps – Slip (on a shirt), Slop (on some sunscreen), Slap (on a hat), Seek (the shade), and Slide (on some sunnies). These five steps are important for sun protection, but schools also need educate students that these steps are necessary, as well as formulate and enforce policies that ensure that these steps are taken.
Formulating a School Sun Protection Policy
School hours are also the hours during which people are exposed to the most UV radiation, so having a school policy to ensure that students are protected is a must. The Cancer Council offers a SunSmart policy template to make creating a policy for UV protection easy. The template contains a number of suggestions and boilerplate policy ideas based around Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. As no two schools are the same, there are no blanket solutions to sun protection, but there are still some things that all schools should be able to do.
Sun Education
Educating student about the dangers of UV radiation and sun exposure can be easily integrated into the school curriculum during health and physical education classes. The education should raise awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and the importance of sun protection, such as teaching students about the proper application of sunscreen, the significance of protective clothing, and the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
Mandatory Sunscreen
Implementing a mandatory sunscreen policy in schools involves clear communication and collaboration between faculty, parents and students. Begin by educating staff, students, and parents about the importance of sun protection. Develop a comprehensive policy outlining when and how sunscreen should be applied, considering outdoor activities and UV index.
Provide sunscreen dispensers in strategic locations, ensuring easy access. Encourage parents to include sunscreen in students’ daily routines and seek their support in enforcing the policy. Regularly review and update the policy to address evolving needs and ensure sustained commitment to protecting students from harmful UV rays. Having sunscreen dispensers in classroom can turn putting on sunscreen into something of a ritual for students as they file out of class for recess or lunch.
No Hat, No Play
Introducing a “No Hat, No Play” rule is an easy to enforce and monitor move for sun safety in schools. The basic policy means that students must wear hats during outdoor activities to cut down on exposure to harmful UV rays, and those without a hat are either prohibited from taking part or can be supplied with a loan hat by the school.
By sticking to this guideline, schools spread the word about the importance of sun protection and teach students to take care of their skin. The rule also acts as a visual reminder for both students and parents to make sun safety a priority, establishing healthy habits early on. It sets a consistent standard for everyone in the school community, creating a safer outdoor environment.
Schools can supply wide-brimmed hats or encourage parents to make sure their kids have the right sun-protective headwear. Regular reminders and educational efforts help embed the rule, showing the school’s dedication to students’ well-being. The “No Hat, No Play” policy builds long-term sun safety habits, reducing the risk of skin damage.
Schedule Outdoor Activities
Plan outdoor activities, recess, and sports events outside of peak UV hours when the sun’s rays are strongest if possible. Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage among school children.
Create Shade
Creating shade gives students areas in which they can sit or play out of direct sunlight. Schools could install shade structures or plant shade trees in outdoor areas like playgrounds and sports fields to provide a designated space for students to seek shade during peak UV hours, reducing overall sun exposure. The form these shade structures take depends on the school and its outdoor areas.
Installing shade sails or awnings over play areas, seating, and walkways offers effective protection from UV rays. Building permanent structures like gazebos or pergolas can provide designated shaded spaces for students to sit, and portable shade structures, such as umbrellas or pop-up tents, offer flexibility for outdoor events or classes. These portable structures, as well as planters and shade screens allow for adaptable shade placement, catering to different times of the day and seasonal changes.
Safe Indoor Play Areas
If outdoor shaded areas are not available, or to provide a safe play space during especially hot or high UV days, having designated indoor areas for students to play and congregate can help ensure they are protected. Gymnasiums and assembly halls are good places for indoor play areas, so long as they have adequate ventilation.
