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An eight-year-old boy has been banned from taking sun cream to school.

Joseph Marshall was sent to school in Bristol with a bottle of factor 60 sun block to protect his pale skin.

But staff confiscated it, as they said it could be dangerous to other pupils. His mum Helen claims they are putting him in danger of skin cancer.

The head teacher at Hillcrest Primary said kids should cover up with clothes instead. Miss Marshall is fighting to get the school's rules changed.

She said: "This country needs to do more to educate people about the dangers of skin cancer.

"The school's policy is ridiculous."

A Bristol City Council official said they backed the school.
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he was `on the sofa` at uk breakfast channel gmtv but i can't find his appearance on their web site.

perhaps they'll offer him a slot as weather presenter.

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Skin Cancer

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of every three Australians who live to the age of 75 can expect to develop some type of skin cancer. For many years Australians thought a good suntan was a sign of a healthy body. The reality is that a good suntan is a sign that you are being exposed to too much UV radiation.

There are three main types of skin cancers in Australia. The most dangerous of these cancers is melanoma. Early detection of skin cancers is extremely important; it can stop the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

The three main types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - This is the most common, but least dangerous type of skin cancer. BCCs are usually found on the face and neck. BCCs begin to form as small round or flattened lumps which are either red, pale or pearly in colour and may have blood vessels (which look like tiny veins) over the surface. If untreated, they will spread and can leave bad scarring if you do not get early treatment.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - This skin cancer is less common, but more dangerous than BCC. This cancer can develop on the lips, particularly the lower lip. SCCs are best described as red scaling areas that may bleed and become ulcerated. Very occasionally, SCCs may spread to the lymph nodes.

Melanoma - This is the least common, but most dangerous skin cancer. These usually begin as a new spot, freckle or mole on the skin that changes in colour, thickness or shape over months. Melanomas sometimes develop in parts of the body such as the eye and mouth. Melanomas can be dark brown to black, red or blue-black or a combination of colours. They can have an irregular outline or shape. Melanomas can also develop in pre-existing moles and people who have a lot of moles seem to have a higher risk of developing melanoma. Melanomas can spread to internal organs and cause death if not detected and removed promptly.

Keratoses - sometimes called sunspots - are dry, rough, firm spots on the skin and are not skin cancers. However, they are early warning signs of prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation. Keratoses very occasionally develop into skin cancer.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?

It is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight which causes skin cancers. Even if you are protected from direct sunrays you may still be exposed to reflected UV radiation. Natural surfaces such as snow, sand, rock and water all reflect UV radiation, as do some metallic surfaces, especially aluminium. Exposure to solar UV radiation can still happen on cloudy or winter days.

All skin types can suffer damage from exposure to sunlight. It is important that you protect your skin from prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation regardless of your skin type.

Effects on the eye

If you are exposed to solar UV radiation over a prolonged period of time you can experience damage to the cornea, formation of cataracts and pterygia. Cataracts are like a white colouring of the lens of your eye. Pterygoid are wing-shaped growths of tissue on the eye and can cause symptoms like a mild case of conjunctivitis.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE AT RISK?

Several factors contribute to an increased risk of developing skin cancer:

    * exposure during childhood;
    * outdoor activities - for example, a job where you work outside, suntanning, outdoor leisure and sporting activities;
    * living closer to the equator - Queensland has a higher rate of diagnosed skin cancers than Tasmania;
    * being outdoors when solar UV radiation is more intense - between the hours of 10.00am and 2.00pm (11.00am and 3.00pm when there is daylight saving);
    * having a fair complexion, blue eyes and freckles, and skin which tans poorly and burns easily.

People who have already had a skin cancer or keratoses also have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?

In Australia, legislation requires that your employer provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to your health.

Your employer and you must both take care to minimise exposure to sunlight. In many cases slight changes to the way you do your job is all that is needed.

It is also important that you regularly examine skin areas which are exposed to sunlight.

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

There is a lot you can do to reduce the amount of sunlight you are exposed to, both in your leisure time and during work.

Most cancers can be prevented by protecting your skin and eyes from sunlight. Where possible your employer should lessen the amount of exposure to solar UV radiation by providing shade. Trees, buildings or other structures can be used. If you do not have these objects available, shade can be created by the use of canopies, tents, screens and other portable structures which are easy to put up and take down.

Clear car glass has a protection factor of about 13 SPF while some window tints have higher protection factors, so when driving for long periods consider keeping your windows up.

Another option is to change your work routine so that you work indoors between the hours of 10.00 am and 2.00 pm (11.00 am and 3.00 pm when there is daylight saving).

Clothing

Try to wear clothing that gives good protection from the sun - for example, trousers instead of shorts, a hat and a long-sleeve shirt with a collar.

Sunscreens

Sun protection factor, more commonly known as SPF, is a classification based on Australian Standards. The higher the SPF, up to 15+, the greater your level of protection. A sunscreen works best if you reapply it every two hours. Remember, no sunscreen can give you full protection from sunlight.

Lip protection

Lip cancer from prolonged exposure to sunlight is common in outdoor workers. Your lips should be protected with an SPF 15+ sunscreen or lip protection with the same rating.

Eye protection

If you work in a highly reflective environment then it is recommended that you wear sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS 1067.1.

FURTHER READING

Guidance Note for the Protection of Workers from the Ultraviolet Radiation in Sunlight. NOHSC: 3012 (1991)

Hmm. Umm, why couldn't the mum just put the suncream on her son before he goes to school? Or am I missing something?

love,
Bijou