2024-02-08 05:55:00
Fewer cases of skin cancer. That is the aim of a new campaign by GGD Fryslân, which aims to make young people in particular aware of the risks of solar radiation. Starting in Súdwest-Fryslân, De Fryske Marren and Smallingerland. Avoid, apply and wear clothes, is the advice.
Every year, 83,300 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with skin cancer. In Friesland there were 1117 last year, almost twice as many as in 2013 (674). This form of cancer, caused by exposure to UV radiation, is most common in coastal areas. Súdwest-Fryslân also has more than 25 percent more diagnoses than the national average, according to the Dutch Cancer Atlas.
A panel from GGD Fryslân made it clear last year that a large proportion of Frisians do not protect themselves enough against the sun. More people could protect themselves by staying out of the sun between 12 and 4 p.m., wearing UV-resistant clothing and regularly using (good) sunscreen.
GGD Fryslân is therefore launching the ‘Healthy in Fryslân’ project this month in Súdwest-Fryslân, De Fryske Marren and Smallingerland. These municipalities have been selected because more skin cancer occurs here than elsewhere. The health service wants to better protect (young) residents against skin cancer through concrete actions.
Sunscreen dispensers
The project focuses on three pillars: active protection against harmful UV radiation at schools, sports clubs, swimming pools and daycare centers, an awareness campaign and including UV protection in policy.
Project leader Joost de Bruijn: “We are going to create shaded areas and place sunscreen dispensers in places where many young people come, such as schools, childcare centers, sports clubs, open-air swimming pools and beaches. We look at what is needed locally and where the need lies. A primary school has different preferences than a sports club.” The goal is to implement twelve new protective measures per municipality every year. 18,000 euros is available annually for this purpose.
There will also be a campaign at schools, childcare centers and sports clubs that promotes behavior that protects against UV radiation, because sun behavior is one of the biggest risk factors for skin cancer later in life. Three important points are emphasized: seek shade, wear protective clothing and regularly apply sunscreen with at least factor 30. In other words: keep out, wear clothes, apply sunscreen. The campaign is promoted at summer events.
Sun protection in policy
Finally, the GGD wants sun protection and awareness to be included in the policy of municipalities, schools and, for example, childcare organizations. It is being investigated whether UV protection policy can become a local theme under the existing ‘Healthy School’ and ‘Healthy Childcare’ programmes.
By protecting young residents and teaching good sun behavior, the project should lead to a reduction in the number of skin cancer cases in the future.
GGD Fryslân is one of ten health organizations in the Netherlands that has received a subsidy from KWF Kankerbestrijding for this project. This amounts to 526,350 euros for 2024 to 2027. This includes appointing a project employee per municipality.
Facts and fables about sunscreen
Fact: a cheap sunscreen is just as good as an expensive brand
That’s right. Whatever the price of your sunscreen, they all protect equally well. The difference is often in the extras surrounding it. Protective factors mean the same everywhere in the world.
Myth: factor 50 will not tan you
That is not true. The factor affects the time you can spend in the sun without burning. And it ensures that UV radiation is less harmful. The skin does tan, but does not burn.
Myth: applying once a day is enough
This is not true. How often you should apply is different for everyone. It has to do with your skin type, the sun strength at that moment and what you do in the sun. Did you swim, sweat or dry yourself? Then you have to apply the cream again.
Myth: Sunscreen is carcinogenic
This is not right. According to European legislation, cosmetics may not contain carcinogenic substances. Sunscreen and other cosmetics are therefore subject to strict safety requirements. In addition to European legislation, there is additional control on the substances used in cosmetic products such as sunscreen.
Fact: sunscreen does not last for years
That’s right. You cannot store sunscreen indefinitely. After opening you can use it for up to 12 months. After the package has been opened or has been in warm places, the factor (SPF) may decrease. (Source: KWF)
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