California's Efforts in Skin Cancer Prevention

Over-exposure to the sun can cause premature aging, a weakened immune system, cataracts, and is associated with several forms of skin cancer. In 2009, California 7,280 new cases of melanoma of the skin and 840 deaths due to melanoma are expected.

The California Skin Cancer Prevention Program (SCPP) focuses on increasing public awareness regarding the dangers of over-exposure to sunlight, increasing individual and organization-wide practice of sun-safety behaviors, and decreasing future incidence of skin cancer. The program's innovative activities are implemented at child care and pre-school settings and outdoor worker environment.

Children are at high risk of being over-exposed to sunlight. The SCPP works with schools to promote integration of sun protection measures, including education, policy, and increased shade cover. A sun protection education kit is distributed for use with children ages three to five years. In addition, a statewide media campaign promotes sun-safety behaviors to parents with children.

Sun safety kits have also been created for outdoor workers, specifically targeting parks and recreation programs and road/building construction outdoor-based worksites. Evaluations of these kits are currently being collected and analyzed. SCPP is hoping to broaden outreach efforts in the future to include amusement parks, ski resorts, pool/waterslide parks, and outdoor sporting events/arenas.

In addition to highlighting SCPP current activities, this presentation will highlight upcoming interventions including the Spanish translation of the early education curriculum for sun protection as well as posters for outdoor workers and our new partnership with a local university to create an anti-tanning brochure targeting young adults.