Netherlands to provide free sun cream to tackle record skin cancer levels.
In an effort to address the alarming increase in skin cancer cases in the Netherlands, the government has announced a summer initiative to provide free sun protection to its citizens. Sunscreen dispensers will be made available in various locations such as schools, universities, festivals, parks, sports venues, and public spaces across the country. The goal is to ensure that everyone has easy access to sun protection without being burdened by factors like cost or inconvenience.
Inspired in part by Australia's long-standing slip, slop, slap campaign, which promotes the use of protective clothing, sunscreen, and hats, the Dutch authorities aim to make applying sunscreen a habitual practice ingrained in people's daily routines. The campaign was recently launched at a festival in the city of Breda, and efforts are underway to expand it to other municipalities, with the Venlo-Venray hospital partnering with state health insurers to fund sunscreen provision in 120 primary schools.
The idea to repurpose hand disinfectant dispensers, originally set up during the pandemic, to hold sun cream came from a skin doctor at the Venlo-Venray hospital. This creative solution allows for an efficient and convenient distribution of sunscreen to the public.
Skin cancer cases have been reaching record highs in recent years, prompting medical authorities to emphasize the importance of sun protection. Sunscreen has been proven to be the most effective defence against the disease, and it is crucial for children to develop the habit of applying it from a young age, similar to the ritual of brushing teeth.
The seaside town of Katwijk, represented by Councillor Jacco Knape, recognizes the significance of prioritizing public health. Although implementing the campaign incurs some costs, the well-being of the people is held in high regard. Neglecting sun protection is a common sight in Katwijk, as many individuals fail to shield themselves from the sun, which poses an even greater risk considering the town receives above-average sun exposure.
Skin cancer rates have been rising across Europe over the past two decades, with Germany reporting a 55% increase in skin cancer-related deaths from 2001 to 2021, according to the Federal Office of Statistics. Experts believe that substantial healthcare savings can be achieved by reducing the incidence of skin cancer.
Unusually high temperatures were recently experienced in several parts of central Europe, and these conditions are expected to persist in the coming weeks. Poland, France, and Germany are among the countries grappling with exceptionally hot weather, while Nordic and Mediterranean regions are relatively cooler compared to the norm for this time of year.
As a skin cancer preventive project, iToBoS strongly supports and encourages initiatives like this. Providing easy access to sunscreen promotes skin health and plays a crucial role in preventing melanoma. By making sun protection widely available, especially public spaces, the campaign fosters a culture of proactive skin care. iToBoS acknowledges the efforts to prioritize public health and encourages other organizations and countries to embrace similar initiatives to combat melanoma and promote overall well-being.