A leading British plastic surgeon is calling on parents to take stronger measures to protect their children from long-term sun damage, amid growing evidence that skin cancer risk in children is significantly underestimated. Children’s increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and prolonged exposure during outdoor play has been linked to higher rates of skin cancer diagnoses in adulthood, prompting renewed health warnings.
Over 1,000 Skin Cancer Surgeries Annually Linked to Sun Exposure
According to the consultant, who works in reconstructive surgery for a major UK health trust, more than 1,000 surgical procedures are carried out each year to remove skin cancers caused by excessive sun exposure. This figure, he emphasized, has shown no signs of decline over recent years, despite regular awareness campaigns.
The surgeon highlighted that children’s skin is significantly thinner and more vulnerable than adult skin, meaning that even short periods in intense sunlight can result in irreversible damage. Repeated sunburns during early life stages substantially increase the likelihood of developing melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers later on. For concerned parents, the warning is clear: protection must begin early and be applied consistently.
While fair-skinned individuals are typically more prone to sunburn and skin damage, the consultant stressed that people of all ethnic backgrounds are susceptible to harmful UV effects. “I’ve treated patients of all ages and ethnicities — from children to pensioners — for sun-induced skin cancers,” he explained. “Nobody is immune. The key is early prevention.”
To better understand the long-term impact of UV exposure on young skin, visit Cancer Research UK’s guidance on sun safety.
Parents Encouraged to Take Extra Precautions in Everyday Situations
Many families associate sunburn risk with summer holidays abroad, but the expert cautioned that severe UV radiation can occur even in temperate climates, including during routine daily activities such as biking, gardening, or walking to school. “We’ve already seen unexpected heatwaves in early summer this year,” he warned. “Even if you’re not traveling internationally, high levels of UV can still cause substantial skin damage.”
He also dispelled common myths about tanning. “Getting a tan isn’t necessarily safe or healthy,” he noted. “A tan is simply the body’s way of trying to protect itself. It’s a response to injury, not a sign of health.” Prolonged tanning, especially without adequate protection, can result in the accumulation of DNA damage within skin cells, eventually leading to mutations and the development of skin cancer.
You can learn how UV exposure leads to cancerous cell mutations and the importance of early sun safety interventions through the CDC’s prevention resources.
Sun Cream Isn’t Enough: What Parents Should Do
While sunscreen is an essential part of any sun safety routine, it should not be relied on as the sole method of protection, the surgeon emphasized. He recommended a combination of strategies to keep children safe:
- Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and trousers when possible
- Choose wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, ears, and neck
- Encourage children to play in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is strongest
- Use sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard the eyes
- Reapply sun cream regularly, especially after swimming or sweating
- Ensure children are well-hydrated with frequent water intake
“These measures may seem simple,” he added, “but they can save lives. Parents need to treat sun exposure like any other serious health hazard.” To explore which sun protection measures are most effective, visit the NHS’s official sun safety guide.
He also underscored the importance of teaching children about sun safety from a young age. Habits formed early are more likely to persist into adulthood, helping reduce the overall incidence of preventable skin cancers in the future.
In addition, parents should remain aware that children’s hydration needs increase in hot weather, and dehydration can compound the risks of sun damage. Learn more about keeping children hydrated in summer.
With warmer summers becoming more frequent due to climate change, experts say now is the time to treat UV exposure as a serious health issue for the next generation.
