Mariam Badavi, a former skin cancer nurse at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of melanoma on individuals and families. Now, she's using her expertise to prevent similar tragedies by teaching children across Devon the importance of sun safety through engaging stories and songs.
As a specialist in this field, Ms Badavi stresses that developing healthy habits from an early age is crucial, citing statistics that show 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK are preventable. This means that most of these cases can be linked to skin damage sustained during childhood. Alarmingly, much of this damage occurs before the age of 18 – a critical period for skin protection.
Ms Badavi warns that even a single blistering sunburn in early childhood can double an individual's risk of developing melanoma later in life. This is not just a personal concern but also has significant financial implications, with the cost of treating a single melanoma patient exceeding £200,000, according to NHS estimates.
According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 2,600 people die from melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK – an average of over seven deaths daily (based on data from 2022-2024). These statistics underscore the importance of preventative measures, which are both life-saving and cost-effective.
Ms Badavi's goal is to make sun safety accessible and enjoyable for children, rather than a source of fear. She achieves this through her interactive approach, visiting nurseries and schools where she reads from her book, 'The Big Sunny Adventure', and leads engaging song and dance routines that demonstrate how to apply sun cream effectively.
Schools like The Maynard School in Exeter have welcomed Ms Badavi's initiative with open arms. Pupils who attended her assembly showed a clear understanding of the message, demonstrating that interactive learning can be highly effective. Seven-year-old Nati explained, "if you don't put sun cream on, you'll get sunburnt, and that isn't good because it really hurts." Another seven-year-old, Portia, even remembered that "dogs need special sun cream too and you have to put it on their nose."
For further guidance on sun safety, individuals should consult their GP or call NHS 111. Official NHS guidelines recommend spending time in the shade, covering up with clothing, and using a high factor sunscreen. NICE recommendations also highlight the importance of protecting children from excessive sun exposure.