The Dutch government has announced that free sunscreen will be distributed to its citizens throughout the summer to combat the record-breaking level of skin cancer in the country. Sunscreen dispensers will be available at schools and universities, festivals, parks, gyms and public places across the country.
Officials hope the initiative will ensure that everyone has access to essential sun protection at no cost. According to public broadcaster NOS, the campaign was launched over the weekend at a festival in the southwestern city of Breda. The Venlo-Venray hospital, located close to the German border, is also reportedly working with state health insurers to fund the supply of sunscreen to 120 primary schools.
A clinic spokesperson said one of the dermatologists came up with the idea to convert dispensers installed to provide hand sanitizer during the pandemic to hold sunscreen, NOS reported. Councilor Jacco Knape, from the coastal town of Katwijk in the west of the country, said: “It costs a little, but we care deeply about people’s health. We regularly see people enjoying the sun but neglecting to protect themselves, which is not good as Katwijk gets above the average amount of sun. “
Types of skin cancer
The three most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Experts warn that cancer can form in your ears, eyes, under your nails and even on your hips. Health officials say that if action is not taken, one in six people in the Netherlands could be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer.
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