A Review of the Impact of Sun Safety Interventions in Children

In the United States, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers comprise the largest proportion of new cancer diagnoses every year. The prevalence of skin cancer can be largely reduced if proper preventative behaviors are adopted at an early age.

We assessed the impact of various informational, economic, and environmental interventions on sun-protective behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, and sun exposure in the pediatric population reported in previous studies.

A systematic search for relevant articles was conducted using three databases. Studies were included if they met the following three criteria: study subjects less than 18 years old, clear, measurable interventions and outcomes, and publication in the English language.

A total of 66 studies were included, of which 48 resulted in positive behavioral changes (i.e. increases in sunscreen application, use of hats and sun-protective clothing, shade-seeking, and avoidance of outdoor activities during peak UV radiation), 28 resulted in increased knowledge, 2 resulted in changes in attitudes towards tanning, and 10 resulted in decreased sun exposure effects (i.e. new sunburns, number of new nevi, and change in pigmentation of the skin).

It is crucial that children be educated on the importance and benefits of sun protection. Although a variety of interventions showed promise in achieving this goal, the challenges associated with adopting change were evident. This review provides direction for future interventions aimed at improving sun safety in children and illustrates the potential impact that early intervention can have on the incidence of skin cancer in future generations.