DOCTOR’S VIEW ARCHIVE
Excess sun exposure during childhood clearly
increases one’s risk for developing skin cancer as well as premature
aging of the skin (photoaging).
The total number of skin cancers is increasing.
Malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, as
well as basal cell and squamous cell cancers are being reported
more frequently.
Early detection and prevention are extremely important
in reducing injury and death from skin cancer. Detection involves
observing the skin for changes, including color and texture of
the skin, itching, and changes in the size of pigmented and non-
pigmented skin areas. Prevention recommendations include avoiding excess
sun, covering up the skin with clothing or sunblocks, and regularly
applying sunscreens when exposed to the sun.
In order to determine the extent of protection from
the sun that children at the beach are receiving, Dr. Ardis L.
Olson and others at Dartmouth Medical School evaluated 871 children
2 to 9 years of age on the lake beaches of New Hampshire in the
summer of 1995.
Dr. Olson observed the children and interviewed the
parents/caregivers of the children for use of sun protection
techniques.
He noted which body regions were protected (head, torso, and
legs) and the methods children used (hat, shirt, pants, sunscreen,
or shade). His study was published in the recent edition of
Pediatrics (1997;99[6]861).
The study found that only 54% of children were protected
with at least one method for all body regions. This means that
nearly half of the children were not protected from the sun.
Ultraviolet light in sunlight causes damage to genetic
material (DNA) within the cells of our skin, which can lead to
cancer. Ultraviolet light has three different forms (wavelengths):
UVA is less powerful in causing sunburn redness and is constant
throughout the day. UVB causes the classic sunburn and is most
intense from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. UVC rays do not pass through
the atmosphere, but are in artificial sun lamps.
Many sunscreens do not protect against UVA. Broad-spectrum
sunscreens are currently available that protect against both UVA
and UVB radiation. Labels on the containers describe the products’
ability to protect. Opaque sunprotection lotions, such as zinc
oxide and titanium, are sunblocks, which protect from all ultraviolet
radiation.
The authors of the study concluded: “The message
of the Australian Cancer Council to “Slip” (on a shirt),
“Slop” (on sunscreen), and “Slap” (on a hat)
is being promoted in this country by the American Cancer Society
and should be used by clinicians and parents to help children
think in terms of using multiple methods to protect themselves.
It will require consistent, definite messages from parents and
community to instill strong sun protection habits before
adolescence.”
The United States Preventive Services Task Force
has determined that “avoiding sun exposure or using protective
clothing is likely to decrease the risk of malignant melanoma
and nonmelanoma skin cancers.” It is critical that children
are taught to use sunscreens and cover-up techniques early on
so that these cancers are avoided.
So SLIP, SLOP, & SLAP for safety in the sun!
For more information, please visit the Skin Cancer and
Melanoma Centers.
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