Summer is here, school is out, and you and your kids can expect to be spending lots of time in the sun this season. But, wait a minute – are they wearing sunscreen? Although skin cancer is quite rare in children, an excess of exposure to sunlight in childhood is the single most important risk factor in developing cancer later in life. This doesn’t mean, however, that you and your family must avoid the sun entirely this summer. By increasing your awareness of risk factors and symptoms, as well as methods of prevention, you can protect your children from cancer-causing sun exposure.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and occurs rarely in childhood. However, some children are at greater risk for developing it in adulthood, due to a combination of hereditary factors and early sun exposure. Light skin and fair hair, as well as a family history of skin cancer, are two of these factors, along with having a great number of moles, or moles that are larger than average.
Moles are black or brownish spots consisting of pigment-producing cells. Most moles are harmless, but may develop into melanoma. For this reason, it is important to be aware of any moles and freckles your child may have, and check them for changes in size, color, and shape on a regular basis.
Avoiding an excess of sun exposure, however, is the key to stopping melanoma before it starts. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that the most effective way to avoid damaging UV rays is by shunning the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when the rays are the strongest, and covering up in protective, tightly woven clothing. If you must spend an extended amount of time in the sun, choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of greater than 15, and UVA-blocking ingredients such as Parsol. Apply at least 30 minutes before being exposed to the sun, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours.
Along with taking protective measures against sun exposure, it is important to be examined yearly by a specialist, particularly if you or your child have a family history of skin cancer, or have noticed changes in a mole or birthmark. By preventing overexposure to sunlight, performing skin exams on yourself and your children, and consulting a physician on a regular basis, you can help protect your family from skin cancer.
