The incidence of melanoma among teens is on the rise, accounting for 1 out of every 10 cancer cases among those 15-19 years old, according to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Doctors point to sun exposure and an increased use of tanning beds as likely causes for the increase.
To protect teens from dangerous sun exposure, NCH recommends:
- Apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage. Sunscreens containing avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, with an SPF of 30, are preferred.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure — even on cloudy days — and reapply every two hours or after leaving the water.
- Avoid peak hours of sun exposure: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
