Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, Mo. 65109

May 24, 2004

Sue Heisler, Program Manager
Comprehensive Cancer
Telephone: 573-522-2825

Protect your children from skin cancer - They can't protect themselves

Sunny, fun-filled summer days may be ahead for Missouri's children but parents need to know a danger lurks in that idyllic sunshine. By running and playing unprotected in the sun, children may be taking a risk that could impact their future life quality. They may be setting the stage for adult skin cancer.

The seriousness of sunburn should not be taken lightly. While the pain is only temporary and may be treated, the effects are permanent. Only one severe, blistering sunburn during childhood or the teen years increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. A couple of these sunburns can double the risk in later life.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Comprehensive Cancer Control program joins with other national partners, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cancer Society, in observing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month and reminding parents not to neglect this very important aspect of their children's health.

Almost 10,000 people are expected to die nationwide from skin cancer this year. In Missouri alone, it is estimated that 20,000 new cases of skin cancer will be detected. While most cases can be cured with early detection, prevention could reduce the incidence of new cases over the next decade.

The bottom line is that 95 percent of these skin cancers are related to ultraviolet light, mostly coming from the sun. Protecting a child from the sun and later skin cancer should become a routine. The following suggestions can help assure a safe summer:

• Always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it at least 20 minutes prior to exposure and continue to apply every two hours. An SPF of 15 filters out approximately 95 percent of the UV rays. An SPF of 30 is slightly better but only affords about 3 percent more protection.
• Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months. If they must be outside during "peak" sun exposure hours, keep them in the shade, covered and cool.
• Encourage children to play in the shade, wear hats, pants or long sleeve shirts when appropriate.
• Remind teenagers that tanning beds pose the same risk as the sun.
• Help children avoid being out in the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Parents need to be aware that only 15 unprotected minutes in the sun can cause damage. The skin's color of pink, red or darker brown only indicates the skin has been damaged and the risk increased for possible skin cancer in the future.

"There is no such thing as a healthy tan," said Sue Heisler, program manager for the Comprehensive Cancer Control program. "Our children need to be protected throughout childhood to assure a healthy adulthood."

For more information contact Sue Heisler at 573-522-2825 or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nscpep/index.htm to find out more about the Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Education Initiative.

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