Skin cancer is becoming more common around the world, and melanoma affects an increasing number of adolescents and young adults. In this situation, it’s natural to wonder if your children are at risk and how you can protect them. Find out everything you need to know so that you can take the most effective preventive measures.

What is the risk?

Melanoma is quite rare in children 0-18 years of age. It represents about 3% of all cancer cases in children. At the same time, the number of young people affected by this condition is growing. A new study has revealed that over the past 35 years, the number of children diagnosed with this condition has increased by 2% per year.

This study has shown that the majority of children diagnosed with the condition were in their teens. More than 90% of all diagnosed patients were Caucasian. The most vulnerable group is considered to be girls between the ages of 15 and 19.

The most common cause of this and other types of skin cancer is frequent exposure to UV radiation for long hours. Children who have suffered severe sunburn on more than one occasion and those who experience this problem frequently are at higher risk of developing the condition in the future. The same applies to children using tanning beds and lamps. The danger posed by these tanning methods should be well understood. They are considered the leading cause of melanoma in girls, including adolescents.

Prevention measures

Steps for parents to take are simple and will help reduce the risk of melanoma. The main one is to keep your children in the shade when the sun is strongest. Older children should be taught to stay away from the sun when its height exceeds the height of its shadow.

When children go outside, they should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and preferably 50. Sunscreen should be applied to all parts of the body, not just those directly exposed to the sun. It should be applied even on cloudy days. It should be applied about 30 minutes before going out and every 2 hours after if the child is in the water or playing actively. Children should wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when outside.

Last but not least, you should regularly check your child’s skin for abnormal growths and report it to a doctor immediately. Regular screening for melanoma is recommended for adolescents.