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John O'Brien
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E-mail: [email protected]
EMBARGOED UNTIL: April 30, 1998, 4:00 p.m., Eastern
STUDY IDENTIFIES MOST COMMON SUN PROTECTION ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
SCHAUMBURG, IL (April 30, 1998) -- Many studies have concluded that sun exposure, especially a sunburn, during childhood appears to increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. However, very few studies have determined whether or not children are adequately protected from the harmful rays of the sun. A study reported in the May, 1998 Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that nearly 75% of adults practiced one or more sun protection behaviors with the children, ranging in age from newborn to 12 years old, in their care.
The most frequently reported sun protection behavior was the use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher (53%), followed by seeking shade (30%) and the wearing of hats (27%) and shirts (8%). Sunscreen use was reported more frequently for fair-skinned children and female adults, and for children of adults who were white and who had a family history of skin cancer. The high incidence of all types of skin cancer in the United States, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma has been linked primarily to sun exposure.
"Most people know that the sun is dangerous, but that doesn't always translate into identifiable actions," said June Robinson, MD, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and one of the study authors. "We are very pleased to find that parents are taking the warning about the dangers of the sun seriously and acting now to protect the future health of their children."
Efforts to educate people about sun protection by the AAD, the CDC, the American Cancer Society and other organizations have resulted in an increased awareness that sun exposure is dangerous. In a study released in 1997 by the AAD, a decline in the attitude that having a tan was healthy and an increase in the reported use of sunscreen by adults (35% in 1986 to 53% in 1996) was noted. During the same decade, the UV exposure of adults, as measured by sunburning (30% in 1986 to 36% in 1996) also increased, as did the regular use of tanning beds (2% in 1986 to 6% in 1996).
"Everyone needs to recognize that a personal history of sunburning is a very important risk factor for developing skin cancer and is a warning signal to use sun protection more effectively," noted Dr. Robinson. "We hope that this study may help people better understand that their sun protection habits can greatly influence their children's medical future."
The study results were determined by a random sample telephone survey of more than 500 households within the continental U.S. conducted by Leo J. Shapiro and Associates and funded by the CDC.
The survey was conducted in 1996 by Leo J. Shapiro and Associates, Inc. (Chicago, IL) in collaboration with the AAD, the world's largest organization of dermatologists with over 11,500 members.
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