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The National Cancer Institute is taking advantage of this beginning of summer to remind people of the dangers of exposure to UV rays, especially in children, through an information and prevention campaign.
100,000 new cases of skin cancer recorded each year in France, 5 times more melanomas than 30 years ago…. and children overexposed to the sun, who literally risk their skin, because their parents do not know the real risks. It is on this observation that the National Cancer Institute has chosen to alert parents at the beginning of July, on the sun risks for their children and their repercussions on the occurrence of skin cancer in adulthood. The information campaignThe shade, the coolest place in summer” targets preconceived ideas about the sun and calls for more prevention
Childhood, a particularly fertile ground for future skin cancers
Asked about the subject, Dr. Jean-Baptiste Méric, oncologist and director of the Public Health and Care unit of the National Cancer Institute, explains why exposure to the sun in children is problematic: “Although adults and children are exposed to the same rays, children’s skin is much thinner and their pigment system is too immature to attenuate UV rays. However, it is precisely these immature cells which, attacked, can later degenerate into melanoma.” he warns.
More concretely, according to a survey conducted by BVA for the INCa in May 2022, 80% of skin cancers are linked to excessive exposure to sunlight, and 80% of skin lesions that have a risk of becoming cancers will occur before the age of 18. “Exposure and sunburn in childhood are the bed of cancers in adulthood“ confirms the oncologist.
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Against cancer, sun protection is not enough
However, many of us want to protect our children and adopt a high protection sunscreen to go out. For Dr. Méric, the gesture is unfortunately not enough: “You should know that even if your cream will protect your children from certain UV rays, today we do not have proof that the application of sunscreen is sufficient to prevent cancer. It is on this misconception that we want to challenge families today, when there are other simple measures to put in place” he continues.
Among these measures, seeking shade in all circumstances proves to be a simple and health-beneficial choice. “It’s probably time to reverse the trend, to stop thinking that a tan is a sign of good health. Through this campaign we want to raise awareness that shade, for example, has many advantages for families. It’s less hot there, you don’t get burned, you limit the risks, and you can just as much enjoy your summer… no bad surprises.” he concludes.