How to Develop a Skin Cancer Prevention School Program

Today, skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. While many people think only older people are susceptible, they are sadly mistaken. Unfortunately, an increasing number of children have been diagnosed. Consequently, schools need to take a lead in teaching and modeling prevention.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Establish sun-safe policies at your school. Allow students time to apply sunscreen before going outside for sports. Let students wear hats, sunglasses and other protective clothing while outside for prolonged periods.
2. Develop a long-range plan for making your school's outdoor environment sun-safe. Incorporate plans for planting extra trees in playground areas or installing pavilions over picnic tables. Some schools have shaded bench areas or shades over playgrounds.
3. Educate students about strategies to protect their skin from the sun. Incorporate lessons into curriculum at least two times a year. Time lessons before peak outdoor seasons.
4. Involve families by communicating the school's plans to protect children from skin cancer. Hold an evening health session during which you talk about various relevant health issues including skin cancer prevention.
5. Coordinate with local pediatricians to spread the news about how your school is fighting to prevent skin cancer. Ask pediatricians and dermatologists to provide information sessions.
6. Take extra precaution when taking students on field trips. Require that students bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
7. Write a grant to obtain a set of UV color changing bracelets for your students. When worn, these bracelets change color when exposed to UV rays, alerting students to their potential exposure.