Teen Sunburns Up Melanoma Risk

the Cancer Therapy Advisor take:

Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence may significantly raise one's risk for melanoma, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention. Results from the study of 109,000 Caucasian women showed that those who experienced five or more blistering sunburns as adolescents are at a significantly heightened risk for melanoma. On the other hand, women who were exposed to high amounts of ultraviolet radiation as adults did not have an increased risk of melanoma, but they did have twice the risk of developing basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers concluded that parents should be vigilant about protecting their children from excessive sun exposure. They also noted, however, that adults should also remain cautious and protect themselves when being exposed to the sun.