PRESS RELEASE: Superdrug
Written: Monday 4th May, 2009
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Just one in ten parents put sun cream on their children during holidays in this country -because they underestimate the sun's strength, a study found yesterday (Sun).
A report revealed 58 per cent of families will holiday on the UK mainland this summer as the recession leaves many unable to afford a foreign break.
But while 93 per cent always pack sun cream for the family when they go abroad, only 61 per cent take it with them on a break in the UK.
Yesterday Martin Crisp, Superintendent pharmacist at Superdrug, which polled 1,000 parents, said: ''Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in our country and this year the use of adequate protection against the rays of the sun is more important than ever.
''Although cases of child sun cancer are rare, it is accepted that the treatment of the skin while in childhood has a real affect on chances of being diagnosed later in life.
''In particular, blistering sunburns in childhood and adolescence significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma in adulthood.
''The use of high factor sun protection from infancy is a vital part of skin cancer prevention.
''This summer our nurse clinics will be offering parents advice on the best way to apply sun cream for a safe summer.''
The poll revealed that half of parents don't protect their kids as well when the sun shines in this country as they do when abroad.
It also emerged 59 per cent have forgotten to put cream on kids during summer days out and three quarters said their children often played in the garden without any cream on.
So it's not surprising that researchers found 38 per cent of children have suffered from sunburn after being out in the British sun.
Thirteen per cent said they never used anything over a factor ten on their youngsters.
And 15 per cent hardly ever reapply the cream during the day to make sure they are still fully protected.
Simon Davies, Chief Executive, Teenage Cancer Trust said: ''It's vital that young people know how to look after their skin in the sun to reduce their risk of getting skin cancer.
''Through our campaign we will be letting teenagers know that it's the damage done to the skin in the early years that makes you more susceptible to melanoma but that it's still possible to have fun in the sun while taking care of your skin.
''We also want to raise awareness of the fact that it is as important for young people to take care of their skin in the UK as it is when they are abroad.
''With more and more people holidaying in this country this is a very important message to get across.''
ENDS
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com
