The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will launch new public campaigns increasing awareness of skin cancer risks aimed at children and teens to use sunscreen and avoid midday sun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma, could result in as many as 7,700 deaths this year. Public campaigns increasing awareness of skin cancer risks have been effective in Australia, where extremely high skin cancer rates have been falling, the CDC said Thursday. It hopes its new campaign of upbeat, youth-oriented TV, radio and print ads will have the same effect. The ads tell children and teens to use sunscreen, wear wide-brim hats and avoid the midday sun.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
Unprotected skin can be harmed by ultraviolet rays in as little as 15 minutes, yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effects of sun exposure, the CDC said. Although most Americans are aware of the dangers of sun exposure, it is estimated that only one third take steps to protect their skin. The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.