06.09.2006
Pharmacists are leading the way by example in sun skin protection according to the results of a study by the University of Brighton launched at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester.
Due to the changing climate conditions in the UK it has been estimated that there will be around 5,000 additional cases of skin cancer per year (ref 1).
Previous studies show that pharmacy students' attitudes toward sun screen use were similar to students studying non-health care related courses (ref 2). Furthermore pharmacists demonstrated low levels of personal use of sun screen (ref 3).
In an effort to increase pharmacy students’ awareness of sun-health, a training programme was introduced at the University of Brighton three years ago. The programme consists of a series of lectures covering topics including sun awareness, function and types of sunscreens as well as the types, prevalence and treatment of skin cancer. This is taught in year one of the pharmacy programme.
The results showed that when the study was first introduced some 53 per cent of pharmacy students were using sunscreens to protect against the sun. Three years later the number has risen to 70 per cent.
The study also aimed to increase protection in the general public by encouraging pharmacists to use sun cream to protect themselves against skin cancer and then recommend its use to others.
Dr
Matthew Ingram, Senior lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the university
who led the research programme, says, "With skin-cancer
on the increase in the UK, pharmacists may have an important role to
play in advising the general public on the correct type of sun screen
and how to use it most effectively."
He added, "by increasing pharmacy students' awareness of sunscreens
we hope they are more likely to recommend its use. It is similar to going
to the gym; if you work-out you're more likely to tell someone else
the benefits."
For further information please contact the press office on:
020 7572 2335/6 (pre
and post conference)
0161 839 9164, 0161
839 9170, 0161 839 9173 or 0161 832 2023 (4-6 September)
07971 022297 (available
at all times)
References
1. Diffey (2004). 2. Ingram et al (2004). 3. Souvignier et al (1996).
The British Pharmaceutical Conference takes place Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 September, 2006 at the Manchester International Convention Centre. The conference theme is Personalised medicine in healthcare.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
