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Karen Klickmann
(847) 240-1735
[email protected]

Jennifer Gale
(847) 240-1730
[email protected]

EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 26, 2000

CHILDREN AT RISK: PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM SKIN CANCER

NEW YORK (April 26, 2000) - Picnics, baseball games, and days at the beach are common recreational activities that many families enjoy during the summer. But are parents taking the appropriate actions during these activities to protect their children from melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer? According to a recent survey of the summertime sun protection used by adults for their children, many parents are not effectively protecting their children from the harmful rays of the sun, and therefore, may be increasing their children's risk of developing melanoma during their lifetime.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month Press Conference, dermatologist June K. Robinson, M.D., Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) and Pathology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, addressed the survey results which suggest promising, yet inadequate, efforts by parents to protect their children from the sun. These results will be published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

"Most people know that the sun is dangerous, but that does not always translate into recognizable protective actions," stated Dr. Robinson. "Parents need to take the warning about the dangers of the sun seriously and act now to protect the future health of their children."

Previous studies have confirmed that sun exposure is responsible for the development of at least two-thirds of all melanomas. Intermittent sun exposure, which is often recreational and frequently occurs daily for prolonged periods of time, is also closely linked to melanoma. Furthermore, it is estimated that 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18, a significant portion of which occurs during peak sun hours and in the summer. This combination of intense, intermittent sun exposure during the summer, which results in a sunburn, increases a child's risk for developing melanoma.

According to the survey, parents reported applying a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as their most frequent sun protection behavior (53%). Children's use of sunscreen was significantly associated with sunny weather, family history of skin cancer, prior history of sunburns in the child, fair skin, and higher family income. In addition, children using sunscreen spent an average of nearly 22 percent more time in the sun on a weekend than children who were not using sunscreen.

"The study confirms that the children with the greatest risk to experience sunburn are using sunscreen," stated Dr. Robinson. "But the benefits of sunscreen are greatly reduced when the children who are using sunscreen spend more time in the sun than those not using sunscreen."

The survey showed that a child's sunburn was significantly associated with the sunburn of the parent or caregiver. "Parents are setting a bad example for their children by not using sunscreen on themselves and not limiting their exposure during peak hours of exposure by performing outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.," stated Dr. Robinson. "As role models, parents' actions and attitudes can make a immense difference in their children's sun safety behaviors."

The children in the survey still experienced sunburn even though they used sunscreen as their primary method of sun protection. Previous studies have shown that sunburn is often the result of incorrect use of sunscreen. Since people frequently apply only 20 percent to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, they only receive 20 percent to 50 percent of the SPF.

"Underprotection due to inadequate application of sunscreen, coupled with overexposure to the sun, partially explains the sunburns experienced in this study by children whose parents reported using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15," remarked Dr. Robinson.

"Parents and children must be educated to use sunscreen as part of an effective sun protection program," continued Dr. Robinson. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following tips for effective sunscreen use:

-- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

-- Use sunscreens every day if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes.

-- Apply sunscreens to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.

-- When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing.

-- One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body completely.

-- Reapply sunscreens every two hours or immediately after swimming or strenuous activities.

"The survey's findings also reinforce the importance of using multiple sun protection methods for maximum effectiveness," stated Dr. Robinson. "Parents and children need to broaden their use of sun protection beyond their current primary reliance on sunscreen."

In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of higher, a comprehensive sun protection program includes avoiding deliberate tanning with indoor or outdoor light, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak hours. "Early initiation of these sun protection behaviors by parents and consistent use throughout life may decrease a child's lifetime risk of developing melanoma," stated Dr. Robinson.

The study results were determined by a random sample telephone survey of 503 households within the continental U.S. conducted in 1997 by Leo J. Shapiro and Associates (Chicago, IL) in collaboration with the AAD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.

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