Be cool ‐ know the rules!

Abstract

Observes that a major risk factor for developing malignant melanoma is severe exposure to the sun in childhood and adolescence. Summarises the epidemiology of skin cancers, including the alarming rate of increase in new cases of malignant melanoma. Describes the Government target of halting the rise each year in newly diagnosed cases of skin cancers by 2005. Given the dearth of suitable resources available to assist health educators in teaching young people about the harmful effects of the sun, describes the development of a user‐friendly teaching pack suitable for Key Stage 2 children (7 to 11 years), which aims to promote positive behaviours. Suggests that educating children at this crucial stage may lead to a decrease in new cases of skin cancer in future years. Shows that early evaluation of the teaching course has so far been encouraging.

Citation

Burgess, L. (1998), "Be cool ‐ know the rules!", Health Education, Vol. 98 No. 2, pp. 69-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654289810199838