Preventing Skin Cancer

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely preventable when sun protection measures are consistently used. However, approximately 70% of American adults do not protect themselves from the sun’s dangerous rays. According to the results of CDC’s 1992 National Health Interview Survey,

• Only 30% of adults sought shade.
• Only 28% wore protective clothing when exposed to sunlight.
• Only 32% routinely used sunscreen lotion.

Three-fourths of adults reported that their children (aged 12 and younger) used some form of sun protection, according to the results of a 1997 American Academy of Dermatology household telephone survey. However, specific sun protection measures reported by adults for their children varied:

• 54% of children sought shade.
• 27% wore hats, and 8% wore shirts.
• 53% used sunscreen.

These results highlight the need for educating children and adults about the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce or avoid UV exposure. Research suggests that healthy behavior patterns established in early childhood often persist throughout life. Parents, health care providers, schools, and community organizations can play a major role in reinforcing sun protection behaviors (e.g., staying out of direct sunlight or timing outdoor activities for hours when UV light is less intense) and changing attitudes about exposure to the sun (e.g., the opinion that a person looks more attractive with a tan).

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