Good habits taught early can prevent skin cancer

Skin cancer rates in the United States are increasing at epidemic levels. In fact, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.

The majority of skin cancers are almost always preventable with good sun protection habits. Children should be taught from an early age to be aware of the problems associated with sun exposure and the need to use sun protection.

"By 2010, melanoma rates are projected to rise to one in 50 Americans," said Perry Robins, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "The most important factors contributing to the rise in melanoma rates are exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVR) in early childhood, sunburns, and intermittent increased exposure to the sun."

Parents can teach their children early sun protection techniques that will help prevent skin cancer later in life. The Foundation recommends the following methods of protection for different age groups:

Babies

Babies' skin is extremely sensitive and can burn easily. In

fact, babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun.

Follow these tips for babies older than 6 months:

+Take walks early in the morning or late afternoon and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.

Dress babies in loose-fitting outfits that cover arms and legs. Clothing made with a UPF of 30 or higher offers the best protection. For a selection of stylish, sun protective children's clothing, check out www.cabanalife.com. A portion of proceeds from Cabana Life sales benefits The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Choose a hat that protects the baby's face, neck, and ears. A baby that wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on.

Sunglasses are not very practical for a young baby. To protect your baby's eyes, seek the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby's hands.

While in the car, shield the baby from direct sunlight coming in through the side window with UV-blocking window film.

Toddlers

Protecting toddlers from the sun requires a little more thought and effort. It is important to not only educate your child, but the caregiver as well.

Make sure your child seeks the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Check the outdoor area where your child plays to make sure there is adequate shade protection.

A broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen should be applied every morning, 20 minutes before leaving the house. Keep sunscreen in the bathroom where children brush their teeth, and eventually it will become routine. Two tablespoons of sunscreen must be applied every two hours and more often if your child is swimming or sweating.

Children should wear sun protective clothing including shirts, hats and sunglasses as their primary line of defense against UVR. Make sure your child wears a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants during prolonged periods in the sun.

School-Age Children Most of the sun protection

methods used for toddlers and young children should be applied to elementar y school children:

Wear sun protective clothing every day, especially if you live in a warm climate.

Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen after two hours of UVR exposure and continue to reapply.

Be sure your child wears a hat during recess.

Teach your child to look for shaded areas in which to play.

Teach your child to wear sunglasses while outside.

Children should enjoy the outdoors safely. Learn how to protect your children, teach them how to protect themselves and tell others about the importance of sun protection.

For more information, visit www.skincancer.org or call 1800-SKIN-490. The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease skin cancer incidence and mortality by means of public and professional education, medical training and research.