Fotoprotección desde la infancia: una apuesta educativa para reducir el riesgo de cáncer de piel en Colombia
Más del 80% del daño solar se acumula antes de los 18 años. Foto: iStock
TL;DR
- More than 80% of accumulated lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18.
- Isdin, in alliance with the Colombian League Against Cancer and schools, is running a national educational campaign in Colombia on childhood sun protection.
- The initiative has reached over 20,000 students, teachers, and families.
- Early sun exposure and sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer in adulthood.
- Skin cancer incidence in high-radiation regions of Colombia and Latin America has increased by 15-20%.
- Pediatric photoprotection with SPF 50+ is recommended from six months of age, applied before sun exposure and reapplied every two to three hours.
- Sun protection is necessary even on cloudy days, as up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
- The educational program includes in-person talks, workshops with dermatologists, and a digital platform for teachers with validated content.
- The campaign combats misconceptions, such as the belief that sun protection isn't needed on cloudy days or that one application is sufficient.
- UV radiation is present in all seasons, and protection should be maintained throughout the school day and beyond.