Skin cancer prevention for children with sun protection clothing
Why the Youngest Should Especially Protect Themselves.
We are delighted with an article on "Port" about our collaboration with the Cancer Society for preventive measures in children and adolescents against skin cancer. A good text on why the youngest should especially protect themselves:
"ATTENTION: UV PROTECTION PREVENTION FOR CHILDREN. THEY HAVE THE HIGHEST SKIN CANCER RISK."
About ten years ago, the Charité hospital in Berlin warned of the increased risk of skin cancer in children. "Those born today will (almost) one hundred percent die from skin cancer if they do not protect themselves," was the statement at that time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), after examining comprehensive and clear study results since 2009, considers ultraviolet radiation to be carcinogenic and sees UV as the main risk factor for skin cancer. Nevertheless, the number of new cases of skin cancer in Germany has continued to rise in recent years.
The Cancer Society of North Rhine-Westphalia and BARMER address the issue and go directly to schools. Their joint project, "The BIG BURN Theory," aims to motivate students aged 13 to 16 to have a healthy approach to the sun.
"The BIG BURN Theory" is inspired by the well-known TV series "The Big Bang Theory." Tips for transforming schools into skin-friendly environments complement the campaign. iQ UV from Walluf is Germany's leading provider of UV protective clothing for adults and children, for water sports, leisure, and the workplace. The Rhine-based company supports this project with UV shirts and caps that participating schools can win. "We are collectively aware of the responsibility," says iQ UV founder Markus Courtial, "and want to show not only the theory but also practical possibilities for safe UV protection."
The successful collaboration started in 2020 and will continue in the future in North Rhine-Westphalia. Courtial is convinced that "this pilot project will motivate other federal states and initiatives to launch similar projects." Every year, around 250,000 people in Germany alone are diagnosed with skin cancer. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable because their skin is thinner," says project manager Nicole Stecha of the Cancer Society of NRW e.V. "Every sunburn at a young age increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life." She expressed her gratitude for the donation and hopes to reach many more schools in the coming years with "The BIG BURN Theory."