You probably think you are on the ball when it comes to information on the risk factors of skin cancer for your kids. The following are six of the most common factors to consider.
A Family History. About 10 percent of melanoma cases run in families. If you have a first-degree relative - you, your spouse, or a sibling - who develops melanoma, he has a 50 percent greater chance of getting this cancer than someone without a family history. (If the cancer occurs in a grandparent, an aunt, or an uncle, there is still a risk, but not as great.)
Many Moles. Moles that are present at birth are the most dangerous. Most kids develop moles in response to exposure to the sun, and the more moles your child has, the greater her risk of developing melanoma later in life. One study of more than 300 kids found that those who wore sunscreen whenever they were outside for more than 30 minutes developed significantly fewer moles than those who wore sunscreen sporadically or not at all. (The more moles a child has, the greater his lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.)
Past Sunburns. Bad sunburns - as well as cumulative exposure to UV rays - can cause genetic mutations in the skin that increase risk of melanoma.
Fair Skin and Light Hair. If your child only has a little pigment (melanin) in her skin, she's more vulnerable to UV radiation. Kids with fair skin have about four times the risk of developing skin cancer later in life than kids with a darker complexion. Redheads and blonde-haired people have a two-four-fold increased risk of developing melanoma - even if they do tan.
Living in Southern Latitude or High Altitude. It's no surprise that kids who live in Florida are exposed to more sun and are more likely to develop skin cancer than kids who live in Northern Maine. But the same holds true if your home is in the mountains of Colorado or California. Living at higher elevations exposes you to more UV radiation-about four or five percent more for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
Being an Athlete. If your child plays a sport like soccer, swimming, or track, she'll spend more time in the sun. A study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine found that 85 percent of young athletes don't use sunscreen. But this is one risk factor that is reversible; make sure your child goes out to the field wearing sunscreen and when possible, UV-protective clothing, including a hat or visor.
The Rating Game for Sunscreens
All sunscreens have an SPF, which is a measure of protection against UVB rays and burning, but now the FDA is planning new labeling to rate sunscreen's UVA protection. The proposed regulation will include a four-star rating system for protection against UVA rays.
The FDA also wants to ban manufacturer's use of the words "waterproof", "sweat-proof", and "all-day protection". These terms are misleading - all sunscreens lose effectiveness after extended periods of swimming or sweating. Realistically, it will probably be years before this new labeling shows up on bottles.
Author Resource:-
Kat Hafen writes for many baby publications including HugaMonkey, which has baby slings, changing pads, baby carriers, and much more. Visit HugaMonkey to find the perfect item to help with your baby!
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