IS YOUR CHILD AT RISK FOR SKIN CANCER?
STUDY:
According to an epidemiologic study published online in Pediatrics, since the 1970s, the incidence of melanoma (Skin Cancer) has been rising about 2% per year in adolescents, similar to adults.
However they are not sure of the reasons for this increase. UVB exposure did not appear to be the primary factor contributing to the increase in melanoma, the researchers noted. These data are consistent with those of previous studies that have reported increasing rates of melanoma in the pediatric populations of Australia, Sweden, and England.
OBSERVATION:
Melanoma was nearly twice as common in girls compared to boys overall (61% vs. 39%) with similar percentages within each age group (0-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-19 years).
The incidence increased with age. The majority of melanomas – 77% – were diagnosed in adolescents aged 15-19 years.
The most frequent melanoma sites in girls were the lower limbs and hips.
Among boys, melanomas were most common on the skin of the face and trunk.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
All significantly increasing trends for melanoma occurred in sun-exposed areas of the body. So cover your body. And use a high index SPF sun block cream when your kids go out in the sun.
Don’t allow your kids to tan. This finding also suggests that tanning facilities may instead be a major source of the increase in incidence.
For more information, read this.
