Sun awareness for children: be cool — know the rules

Abstract

Of the two types of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is the most dangerous and the incidence appears to be doubling every 10–15 years (Katsambas and Nicholaidou, 1996). Twenty per cent of those diagnosed as having malignant melanoma will eventually die. Statistics such as these highlight the importance of raising awareness about the harmful effects that sun exposure has on the skin. The factors associated with increasing the risk of developing malignant melanoma are discussed. This article also examines strategies that can be implemented to help prevent this disease occurring. Children appear to be a particularly vulnerable group within society; however, health educators can promote positive behaviours through education and by developing an awareness of how individuals can adopt a change in behaviour. This article details a newly devised teaching resource, and early evaluation of the project has been encouraging.