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Karen Klickmann, (847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale, (847) 240-1730[email protected]EMBARGOED UNTIL OCTOBER 18, 2000
STUDY CONFIRMS SUNSCREEN USE IN CHILDREN MAY REDUCE RISK OF FUTURE SKIN CANCER
NEW YORK (October 18, 2000) -- Skin cancer is reaching epidemic proportions in this country with more than 1.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Sun exposure is responsible for the majority of skin cancers, especially melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Yet, since approximately 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, it is critical to protect our children now from the harmful rays of the sun. In fact, new research confirms the importance of sunscreen in protecting our children from skin cancer.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2000, dermatologist David McLean, M.D., Professor, Division of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, discussed the results of a study published in the June 14, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study concluded that the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces the incidence of moles in children, a significant risk factor for the future development of melanoma.
Melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, pigment-producing tanning cells, and often develops from a mole. Previous studies have confirmed that an increased number of moles is a significant risk factor for the development of melanoma. While the majority of children are born without moles, most moles originate in childhood as a result of sun exposure.
The study followed 458 Vancouver, British Columbia, school children in grades one and four for three years. Parents of the 222 children randomly assigned to the treatment group received a supply of broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen with instructions for the parents to apply it to exposed areas of the skin when the child was expected to be in the sun for 30 minutes or more. Parents of the 236 children randomly assigned to the control group did not receive any sunscreen and were not given any advice about sunscreen use. The control group was free to use sunscreen as they would normally use it in their own family.
At the conclusion of the study, the children in the sunscreen group had developed significantly fewer moles than did the children in the control group. In addition, a relationship was detected between freckling and the treatment group.
"Our data suggests that freckled children assigned to a broad-spectrum sunscreen intervention would develop 30 percent to 40 percent fewer new moles than freckled children assigned to the control group," explained Dr. McLean. "While our study determined that sunscreen use is important for all children, it is especially necessary for children with freckles."
Both moles and freckles are known to increase the risk of melanoma and evidence suggests that moles and freckling together have an even greater effect on a person's risk. "This study may indicate that people who freckle and develop moles have an underlying instability in their melanocytes," remarked Dr. McLean. "Furthermore, formation of a mole may take place with a smaller degree of sun exposure in children that freckle than in those who do not freckle."
The study also revealed that the children in the intervention group who used the most sunscreen had the fewest new moles. "This data reinforces the importance of sunscreen in protecting our children from skin cancer," stated Dr. McLean. "Parents and children must be educated to use sunscreen as part of an effective sun protection program."
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following tips for effective sunscreen use:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
- Use sunscreens every day if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes.
- Apply sunscreens to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
- When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing.
- One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body completely.
- Reapply sunscreens every two hours or immediately after swimming or strenuous activities.
In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of higher, a comprehensive sun protection program includes avoiding deliberate tanning with indoor or outdoor light, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure during peak hours. "Early initiation of these sun protection behaviors by parents and consistent use throughout life may decrease a child's lifetime risk of developing melanoma," stated Dr. McLean.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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