{"id":1151,"date":"2024-04-07T11:46:28","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T11:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.skincancer.org\/?p=1151"},"modified":"2024-04-08T19:53:39","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T19:53:39","slug":"childhood-skin-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/childhood-skin-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Take My Child to the Dermatologist? What to Know About Childhood Skin Cancer","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Diaper rash, chicken pox, eczema \u2014 there are lot of childhood health concerns on every parent\u2019s radar. Skin cancer<\/a> may not top the list of things parents worry about, but those with a family history of the disease may wonder about their child\u2019s risk. Here\u2019s what you need to know about childhood skin cancer<\/a>, and when it\u2019s time to take your child to a dermatologist.<\/h4>\n

Childhood Skin Cancer: Uncommon, But Not Impossible<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, very few cases develop in children. \u201cIt\u2019s less common than in adults,\u201d says Anne Marie McNeill, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Newport Beach, California. \u201cBut it can and does occur. There are only about 300 new cases<\/a> per year in our country, but the incidence is increasing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. McNeill points out that melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, is the second most common cancer in people aged 15 to 29, and that children are at a higher risk for melanoma than other skin cancers. Risk factors<\/a> for childhood melanoma<\/a> include genetic predisposition and family history, so melanoma-prone families should take special care. Each person with a first-degree relative diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease than people who do not have a family history of the disease.<\/p>\n

Additional risk factors include fair skin and a high level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation<\/a> exposure \u2014 specifically, intense sun exposure early in life (the kind a child might get on a family vacation to the tropics). It\u2019s important to keep in mind that this exposure, especially if it causes a blistering sunburn<\/a> in a young child, is a risk factor for melanoma later in life. So, even if your son or daughter doesn\u2019t develop skin cancer during childhood, the damage done during those early years may take a toll.<\/p>\n

When to Worry About Your Child’s Moles<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dermatologists generally advise that when adults develop new moles<\/a> they should have them examined for signs of skin cancer. But while Dr. McNeill says that she would biopsy a new mole that popped up on an adult, she pointed out that moles behave differently in children.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome children are born with moles, and others develop them within two years of birth. These are called congenital nevi,\u201d Dr. McNeill says. \u201cOthers develop them even later on. It\u2019s very common to acquire new moles during childhood. This is normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

If any of your child\u2019s moles meet ABCDE criteria<\/a> or stand out when compared with other moles (an Ugly Duckling<\/a>), that would merit a visit to the dermatologist. Dr. McNeill also suggests scheduling an appointment for some spots that don\u2019t exhibit the classic signs of melanoma. \u201cParents should watch out for other odd-looking moles, like pink, warty or nodular-appearing growths,\u201d she says. \u201cChildhood skin cancer often presents differently than adult tumors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learning Protective Habits<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The best way to prevent childhood skin cancer (and skin cancer later in life) is to practice a complete sun protection<\/a> regimen. \u201cParents can teach shade-seeking, sun-protective clothing and sunscreen habits starting in infancy, and the importance of self-exams when children start dressing themselves,\u201d says Dr. McNeill. \u201cIn addition, it is crucial to avoid tanning salons during the teenage years.\u201d<\/p>\n

The risk of developing skin cancer as a minor is slim, but the UV damage you get during the childhood years is a significant risk factor for the disease to develop during adulthood. Dr. McNeill says taking action early can help reduce this risk. By teaching your children good sun protection habits, you can help set them up for a life of healthy skin.<\/p>\n

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