Children incur an estimated 80% of lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18 (or 20). The school setting provides a captive opportunity for skin cancer prevention and awareness education. SunSmart for Kids (SSfK) began in March 1999 by contacting over 80 potential elementary schools for participation in the program. SSfK provided several formats for schools to prescribe to. The most common of these was an on-site educational program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. SSfK included information on the importance of sun-safety, how to be sun-safe, and long term effects of overexposure to the sun. The program allowed students an opportunity to ask questions; particularly those associated with myths about sun-safety. The program then allowed children the opportunity to demonstrate what they learned through an interactive activity in which the children emerged as the teachers. Evaluations by teachers and school administrators were positive. SunSmart for Kids incorporated a commitment by a health care resource to reduce the incidence of overexposure to the sun and ultimately reduce rates of skin cancer with local schools' commitment to providing a safe learning environment for children.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (1) identify main risk factors for developing skin cancer; (2) discuss the relevance of skin cancer prevention and awareness for children in schools; (3) recognize the importance of partnerships between health care services in the community and local schools for improved immediate and future child health
Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Cancer Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: SunSmart for Kids is a program of the South Carolina Cancer Center, Columbia, South Carolina
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment