Sun-protection behaviors used by adults for their children--United States, 1997.

In the United States, the high incidence of skin cancer--including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma-has been attributed primarily to sun exposure. To reduce exposures to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Cancer Society, and other organizations have recommended sun-protection practices such as wearing protective clothing, avoiding sun exposure during the midday hours (when the sun's rays are the strongest), and using sunscreen. Such practices are especially important for infants and children because sun exposure during the early years of life appears to increase the risk for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. To characterize sun-protection practices among children, AAD conducted a survey of parents with children aged < or =12 years during June-July 1997. This report summarizes the results of the survey, which indicate that three fourths of adults had their children use one or more measures to reduce exposure to UV rays.