A new program is being tested in primary schools in Kent, teaching children as young as five how to check UV levels and properly apply sunscreen in an effort to decrease the number of future cases of skin cancer. This initiative, currently being piloted, is planned to be implemented in Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) lessons nationwide starting in 2026. Melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, has been linked to UV exposure, and experts warn that sunburn during childhood significantly increases the risk later in life. According to Cancer Research, around 18,300 individuals were diagnosed with melanoma in the UK in 2021, and this number is projected to rise to 21,300 by 2026. The charity Melanoma Fund, which is spearheading this education project, believes that instilling good habits in children at an early age is crucial. Michelle Baker, from the charity, states that while many people associate melanoma with older individuals, it often has its roots in childhood. The goal of the project is to prevent skin cancer in the next generation. Empowering children to take control of their sun protection is a central aspect of this initiative, with Baker saying, “We’re telling them this is their superpower.” At Platt Primary School, pupils are learning how to read UV indexes, properly apply sunscreen, and recognize when they need sun protection. Headteacher Emma Smith reports that the students have been very receptive to these lessons. She believes that educating children at a young age will help them retain this knowledge as they grow older, especially when social media begins to influence their choices. This focus on childhood sun safety comes as Cancer Research UK expresses concern over the increasing number of melanoma cases among adults. A recent study from the charity found that cancer deaths cost the UK economy £10.3bn annually, underscoring the importance of preventative measures. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Katie Lacy emphasizes that educating children about taking care of their skin is crucial in reducing the rates of melanoma. Research shows that nine out of ten cases are caused by UV exposure from the sun and tanning beds. Regular sunburn significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Dr. Lacy stresses that there is no such thing as a “safe tan,” as tanning is a response to skin damage. She also mentions the growing role of AI in screening suspicious moles within the NHS, which could help streamline referrals to specialist services. The ABCDE checklist can help identify abnormal moles: A – asymmetrical shape, B – blurry or jagged edges, C – uneven color, D – larger than other moles, and E – changing (itching, bleeding, or becoming crusty). According to Cancer Research UK, children should be kept in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. They should also wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers their skin. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars should be applied regularly and generously. Kara Leece, who was diagnosed with melanoma at 29, believes that if she had received this education in primary school, she may have been able to prevent it. She now has a scar that serves as a reminder of her experience and shares her story with children, hoping to prevent it from happening to anyone else.
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