Kids play outdoors. We get most of our sun exposure before age 18. In addition, severe sunburns are insults to the skin and its cells that can cause permanent damage to the skin's deeper layers. As few as one severe sunburn before the age of 18 may double the risk for developing melanoma later in life. We get most of our lifetime sun exposure before age 18.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and is one of the fastest rising cancers.
Skin cancer can be prevented. Teaching children to be sun safe will help them to lead healthy, happy lives. Plan outdoor activities and field trips for early morning, before peak sun intensity hours. Offer classroom instruction that teaches sun safety. Educate parents about sun safety and encourage them to make sure their children use sunscreen daily and are dressed sun-safe.