Resources
Cancer Plan: Sun Safety
Research has clearly demonstrated that excessive sun exposure increases the risk for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as malignant melanomas. The melanoma incidence and mortality rates for both the United States and Maine have steadily increased (Figures 14 & 15).*
Figure 14: Age-Adjusted Melanoma Incidence Rates, 1995-2002
Source: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program and the Maine Cancer Registry Program
Figure 15: Age-Adjusted Melanoma Mortality Rates, 1995-2002
Source: National Center for Health Statistics
Excessive exposure to the sun causes most skin cancers, and numerous studies have shown that sunburns during the first 20 years of life are linked to melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancers. Sun safety practices, such as using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun exposure times, can prevent many sunburns. Among Maine adults, nearly one-third report that they always or nearly always use sunscreen. However, only one in five Maine high school students use sunscreen when outdoors.
Goal: To reduce the risk of skin cancer in Maine.
Objective 1: Increase awareness of skin cancer prevention and detection through at least five annual education opportunities for Maine primary care physicians by 2010.
Strategies
- Survey hospitals to determine existing skin cancer education efforts.
- Develop and implement medical education for primary care providers in Maine.
- Develop and implement a pilot medical education distance learning activity for rural and island primary care physicians.
- Implement at least two skin cancer education presentations at primary care professional trade association meetings and/or grand rounds.
- Seek funding to develop and expand educational efforts
Objective 2: Increase to 50% the number of municipal parks and recreation departments with a sun protection policy or guidelines developed by 2010.
Strategies
- Survey and monitor municipal parks and recreation departments to determine the existence of sun protection policies and guidelines.
- Provide sample policy/guidelines.
- Present or display sun safety education to at least 20 municipal parks and recreation departments.
Objective 3: Increase to 90% the number of hospitals with birthing units that provide sun safety education to parents of newborns.
Baseline: 66% of hospitals, MCCCP No Sun for Baby Program, 2006.
Strategies
- Provide mini-grants to implement the No Sun for Babies Program.
- Provide technical assistance, as needed.
- Review the No Sun for Babies Program manual annually.
- Follow-up with the hospitals annually to assess their sun safety activities.
- Seek funding to support and expand efforts.
Objective 4: Increase to 15% the proportion of Maine youth who use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher when outside for more than one hour.
Baseline: 12.4%, MYRBS, 2005.
Strategies
- Develop and disseminate sun safety kits to public and private elementary schools.
- Work with elementary school teachers to identify creative ways to use the kits.
- Increase the utilization of middle and high school sun safety kits.
- Provide sun safety mini-grants to at least 30 elementary schools.
- Develop at least two community-based sun safety education programs.
- Increase to 50% the number of schools/SADs that have sun protection policies or guidelines.
- Seek funding to support and expand efforts.
Objective 5: Increase awareness and compliance of state law in regards to tanning regulations.
Baseline: 386 facilities in active compliance, Radiation Control Program, 2005.
Strategies
- Survey tanning bed facilities to assess awareness and compliance of tanning regulations.
- Include education on tanning regulations in at least five existing communication outlets.
- Enhance awareness of tanning regulations and the dangers of tanning in middle and high schools through sun safety kits.
- Evaluate legislation.
« Back to Cancer Plan