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First Nationwide Study on Youth Sun Exposure Shows Need for More ProtectionKids Use Sunscreen, Yet Still Report Getting Sunburned |
SourceForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesOn the Teen Scene: Dodging the RaysUse Sunscreens as Part of Sun Safety Program Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
ATLANTA, June 18, 1999 -- The American Cancer Society (ACS)
today
released preliminary results from the first nationwide study of the sun
exposure and sun protection habits of youth. The study is based on a
national, population-based telephone survey of youth ages 11 to 18 and
their
parents conducted from July to October 1998. The findings, announced at
the
annual meeting of the Society for Epidemiologic Research in Baltimore, MD,
illustrate the need for kids and their parents to take a comprehensive
approach to protection against sun exposure.
Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of the 11- to 18-year-olds surveyed report getting sunburned in the summer. Of those with sunburns, more than one-third (38 percent) report using sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15+ when they were burned. Youth ages 11 to 13 are more likely than older youth to report "often" or "always" using SPF 15+ sunscreen (42 percent versus 24 percent), yet are also more likely to report they had been sunburned (75 percent versus 70 percent). Girls who report more sunburns resulting from sunbathing (22 percent versus 10 percent), are more likely to "always" use sunscreen when outdoors for at least an hour (14 percent versus 5 percent), and are more likely to use an indoor tanning bed (16 percent versus 5 percent). Overall, the research found that youth sunburns are more likely to occur during swimming or other water sports (57 percent). "These findings confirm the importance of teaching youth how to protect their skin," said Martin Weinstock, MD, PhD, chairman of the American Cancer Society's Skin Cancer Advisory Board. "This need is the basis for the American Cancer Society's recommendation to 'Slip! on a shirt, Slop! on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, and Slap! on a hat.'" ACS Recommendations Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Sunburns received in childhood may increase the risk of skin cancer as an adult. The ACS recommends that people wear protective clothing when out in the sun and, in particular, wear a hat that shades their face, neck and ears. People also should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher liberally on any exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outside. The sun's ultraviolet rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and can damage your skin even on a hazy day. Therefore, outdoor activities should be planned to avoid the midday sun. The ACS recommends that people reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often when swimming or perspiring. Wrap-around sunglasses also should be worn to protect the eyes and delicate skin around them. Skin Protection Federation The ACS Skin Protection Federation, founded in 1998, is a coalition of more than 30 non-profit organizations, government agencies and corporations committed to preventing the most common cancer in the United States -- skin cancer. An awareness campaign with the theme 'Slip! Slop! Slap!' was launched last year by the ACS Skin Protection Federation. The ACS Skin Protection Federation works together to alert people to the need for sun protection and to provide information about how to best protect themselves. About the Study The study's authors include Kourtney Johnston Davis, PhD, MSPH, formerly of the American Cancer Society; Mary C. O'Connell and Phyllis A. Wingo, PhD, MS, American Cancer Society; Martin A. Weinstock, MD, PhD, Brown University; and William D. Kalsbeek, PhD, University of North Carolina. The American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. Additional information on skin protection and cancer is available by calling the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or by visiting the American Cancer Society Web site at http://www.cancer.org. |
