Protect your child from skin cancer

Summer is on the way and that means that children will spend more time outdoors and an increased risk of skin cancer.

 

Picnics, swimming, outdoor play and days at the beach are common recreational activities that many families enjoy during the summer months. But are parents taking the appropriate actions during these activities to protect their children from melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer?

According to a recent survey of the summertime sun protection used by adults for their children, many parents are not effectively protecting their children from the harmful rays of the sun, and therefore, may be increasing their children's risk of developing melanoma during their lifetime.

Previous studies have confirmed that sun exposure is responsible for the development of at least two thirds of all melanomas. Intermittent sun exposure, which is often recreational and frequently occurs daily for prolonged periods of time, is also closely linked to melanoma. Furthermore, it is estimated that 80% of a person's lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18 years, a significant portion of which occurs during peak sun hours and in the summer. This combination of intense, intermittent sun exposure during the summer, which results in a sunburn, increases a child's risk for developing melanoma.

According to the survey, parents reported applying a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher but the use of sunscreen was significantly associated with sunny weather, family history of skin cancer, prior history of sunburns in the child, fair skin, and higher family income.

 

 

In addition, children using sunscreen spent an average of nearly 22% more time in the sun on a weekend than children who were not using sunscreen.

Parents are setting a bad example for their children by not using sunscreen on themselves and not limiting their exposure during peak hours of exposure by performing outdoor activities before 10 am or after 4 pm. As role models, parents' actions and attitudes can make a immense difference in their children's sun safety behaviours.

Parents and children must be educated to use sunscreen as part of an effective sun protection program.

Below are some tips for effective sunscreen use:

  • Wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

  • Use sunscreens every day if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes.

  • Apply sunscreens to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.

  • When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing.

  • Reapply sunscreens every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or strenuous activities.

In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of higher, a comprehensive sun protection program includes avoiding deliberate tanning with indoor or outdoor light, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak hours. Early initiation of these sun protection behaviors by parents and consistent use throughout life may decrease a child's lifetime risk of developing melanoma.

 

 

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