16 Mar High Schools Less Likely To Adopt Sun Safety Practices
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Sherry Everett Jones
Sherry Everett Jones PhD, MPH, JD, FASHA
Health Scientist, Division of Adolescent School Health
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Results from the School Health Policies and Practices Study found that in 2014, most schools lacked practices that could protect children and adolescents from sun exposure while at school. Positive attitudes and beliefs about sun safety behavior, which would make such behavior more likely, can be promoted and supported by school system policies and practices.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: The findings of this study show that high schools in particular were less likely to adopt several sun safety practices, even though high school students may be at particular risk for sun exposure because of their desire for a tan. Many sun safety practices are not difficult to implement and could support other prevention messages targeted toward children, adolescents, adults, and parents with an aim to reduce skin cancer morbidity and mortality.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Further study on the impact of school policies with regard to sun protection could provide additional relevant insights. For instance, some states have laws that prohibit student possession of any over-the –counter drug at school, which may include sunscreens. To date, three states (WA, OR, TX) have passed laws that exclude sunscreen from these rules, allowing children to carry and apply sunscreen while on school grounds. However, the impact of the newer laws that explicitly allow sunscreen is unknown. Also, school dress codes and uniform policies could be examined as potential barriers to sun protection.
In addition, The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer recommends a comprehensive approach to skin cancer prevention in educational settings. Recommended strategies include conducting shade audits on school grounds; implementing proven educational interventions and including these lessons in daily activities such as recess; and, strengthening inclusion of sun protection in school policies, curricula, and facilities planning.
More information about how schools, child care centers and colleges can help protect students from skin cancer can be found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Protect Your Students from Skin Cancer fact sheet.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: Skin cancer risk increases with the number of sunburns experienced. In 2015, more than half (55.8%) of high school students had experienced one or more sunburns during the past 12 months. Interventions aimed at increasing the adoption of sun safety practices among schools are needed.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Everett Jones S, Guy GP. Sun Safety Practices Among Schools in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. Published online March 03, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.6274
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on March 16, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD