Hardly a day goes by that a new basal cell skin cancer or malignant melanoma is diagnosed on a patient at a Naval Hospital. Both lesions are legacies of summers at the beach or other outdoor activities. For most, these are the result of exposures before we discovered just how unsafe it could be to lie about in the sun for hours. Common sense tells us that appropriate precautions must be taken when active in the heat. Additionally, scores of scientific studies attest to the protective effect of following simple measures when out in the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancers.
Young children are at most risk for significant long-term sun and heat injury.
Monitor their time in the sun while playing at the beach or in the yard. If they are old enough, explain to them the importance of being properly attired in the sun and being careful about activities in the heat. A significant risk factor for skin cancer later in life is severe sunburn in childhood. Becoming acclimated to the heat before taking long runs or engaging in extended exercise is another wise precaution. A heat injury can be life threatening and may result in significant long-term problems.