Protecting Your Child From Skin Cancer

Why Suncreen Is Not Enough

by Andrew Manthhe

Ultraviolet Rays (UV) are the chief cause of skin cancer, a California epidemic. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the state, with one in five Californians expected to get it. Statewide there are more new cases of skin cancer each year than the combined total of all new cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon. UV rays also initiate the development of blistering sunburns, cataracts, premature wrinkling, and a weakened immune system.

Caring parents and guardians employ many strategies and resources to safeguard their children from harm. Yet adults too often forget to adequately protect children (and themselves) from the UV rays found in sunlight. This oversight persists despite the sun's daily, dominant position in the sky.

Parents need to understand that a child's skin is most vulnerable to UV rays. Sunburns and tanning during childhood increase a child's risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.

UV radiation is more intense and destructive during certain time frames or conditions: 1) From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2) From mid-spring through mid-autumn 3) At higher altitudes 4) With lack of thick cloud cover

The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable. To reduce skin cancer risk, parents need to place some kind of barrier between children (or themselves) and sunlight.

1) Wear a hat with either a wide brim and or neck and side flaps. 2) Wear tightly woven, loose-fitting, full-length clothing, as appropriate.

3) Stay indoors more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4) Stay under shade when outdoors. 5) Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.

6) Liberally apply SPF 30 sunscreen to exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours of sun exposure.

Caution: Don't depend on sunscreen alone to block UV rays. For kids with sensitive skin, test sunscreen on a small patch of skin - such as the underside of the forearm - to see if any irritation develops within 24 hours.

The California Department of Health Services' Skin Cancer Prevention Program (SCPP) has a webpage that provides important information and links to resources regarding the cause, impact, and prevention of skin cancer: www.dhs.ca.gov cpns skin index.htm. (At the site, click on "Resources" at the bottom of the opening page.) Be sure to read the parent flier and letter.

SCPP's "Resources" page also provides a link to the text of California Senate Bill 1632 which requires public schools to allow students to wear a sun-protection hat when students are outdoors on campus. Students may also self-apply sunscreen on campus without a physician's note.

Individuals are encouraged to direct questions about skin cancer prevention to Andrew Manthe, MPH, CHES, Chief of SCPP, by email at amanthe@dhs.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 449-5393.