It’s that time of year when parents pack up the kids, drive down to the beach and enjoy summer vacation days full of family, friends and fun.
As much as we all enjoy spending time in the sun, it’s important that we don’t forget to use sunscreen. This is especially relevant for parents of young children whose skin is extra sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The more exposure children have to the sun, the more likely they are to get melanoma.
What exactly is melanoma? Here are the basics:
What is melanoma? A cancer of the skin which begins with the cells that give pigment (color) to skin, hair, and eyes. Most melanomas occur in the skin, although they can also occur in the eye.
Who is effected by melanoma? About 60,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States and about 450 of these patients are under 20. That means it’s not the most common type of skin cancer in adults, but it’s the most common type for children.
Warning signs of melanoma: Here’s an infographic that displays the warning signs:
How to prevent melanoma: To prevent melanoma, you should take time to know your skin at an early age and visit the doctor regularly. You should also always wear an SPF sunscreen of 15 of more, which will reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. You can read about some more tips to follow to reduce your risk here.
The bad news is that there are no blood tests that can screen or diagnose melanoma. The good news is that survival rates are high when melanoma is diagnosed and treated early. So if you’re a parent who wants to enjoy your summer vacations and not worry about skin cancer, make sure you do everything you can to protect your children at a young age.
Learn more about the different types of children’s cancer here, and read about the research that is saving children’s lives.
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