What your kids need to know!

What your kids need to know about Skin Cancer
Easy talking points to eliminate the eyeball rolls

    As mothers, we try our best to provide our children with the knowledge that they need to keep them safe throughout life. Don’t talk to strangers, look both ways before crossing the street and Stop! Drop! And Roll!

  But, how much does your teen know about Skin Cancer and sun safety?

 We have decided to assemble some common myths and talking points that you can discuss with your child.  

 TEEN MYTH- Skin Cancer only happens to old people.

FACT- Among young American adults aged 25-29, melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the No. 1 cause of cancer death among 15-20 year olds.

 

TEEN MYTH- You don’t have to wear sunblock if you have a naturally tan or olive skin.

FACT- All skin types, regardless of race, should be using sunblock. Naturally darker skin types have a lower incidence of skin cancer, but when melanoma is discovered on darker skin, it is at a more advanced stage than on lighter skin.

 

TEEN MYTH- Tan skin looks healthy and prettier than pale skin.

FACT-
Tanned skin is actually an indicator that the skin is injured or damaged, so there is no safe tan. If you desire the appearance of a tan, there are much safer alternatives. For instance, Tan Towels self tanner is easy to use, not orange-y and not smelly. Fake-Bake away!!

TEEN MYTH- You only have to wear sunblock on sunny summer days.

FACT- UVA rays penetrate through clouds and windows, and are reflected off concrete, asphalt, snow and grass.
These rays are present from sun up to sun down, all year-round.
Sunblock should be worn every day, regardless of season or how sunny it is.

TEEN MYTH- Tanning beds are a safer alternative to sun exposure.

FACT- Tanning beds can expose an individual to four times the amount of UVA (aging rays) and two times the amount of UVB (burning rays) as a similar period of sun exposure. 
People are unable to feel the UVA rays on their skin, but they contribute the most to skin aging and skin cancer.

 

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

 

    

    A – Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical

     B – Borders:  The borders are uneven

     C – Color:  Varied shades of brown, tan or black are often the first signs

     D – Diameter:  Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles.

     E – Evolving:  Change in any parameter: color, size, shape or feel

Educate those kiddos! NO matter how disinterested they seem, it's our job as parents!
Be the example!
They will thank you in 20 or so years! Then you can say "Sure, no big thing. Day in the life of a mom." and roll your own eyeballs back at them :)

Sincerely,
The Breakfast Club
Michelle and Nancy
The Skin Gurus
skin-gurus.com