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Background Information
Children spend lots of time outdoors during recess, physical education
classes, after-school activities, and sports programs. While some exposure
to sunlight can be enjoyable and healthy, too much can be dangerous. Children
need to be physically active, but must learn to protect themselves from
overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This overexposure can cause
serious health effects, including skin cancer and other skin disorders,
eye damage and cataracts, and immune system suppression. Skin cancer is
the most common type of cancer in the United States. Currently, one in
five Americans develops skin cancer during their lifetime. Every hour
one person dies from this disease. Since 1973, new cases of the most serious
form of skin cancer - melanoma - have increased approximately 150 percent.
You can make a difference! Children need sun protection education since
unprotected exposure to the sun during youth puts them at increased lifetime
risk for skin cancer. One or two blistering sunburns in childhood may
double the lifetime risk of developing melanoma. By educating ourselves
and our children about UV-related health effects and the steps for sun
protection, we can ensure a healthy future for the next generation.
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