Good skin cancer prevention habits begin early
Resources for Parents
Sunburn during childhood increases a person’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Help your child develop sun protection habits now.
Sunburn during childhood increases a person’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Help your child develop sun protection habits now.
Ray and the Sunbeatables®
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center created and developed Ray and the Sunbeatables®: A Sun Safety Curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarten and first-grade students.
The program introduces superhero characters Ray and the Sunbeatables, who travel around the world using their superpowers of sun protection. Children participate in fun and engaging activities and learn the importance of protecting their skin year-round.
Why sun safety?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. An estimated 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can develop skin cancer, including the most deadly type, melanoma.
Be a Sunbeatables parent
Teach your kids the importance of sun safety and use the following tips to be a Sunbeatables parent.
MODEL sun safety at home for your child. Use sunscreen, seek shade and wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
ADVOCATE for sun safety at your child’s school and ask your school to learn more about the Sunbeatables program.
PRACTICE sun safety with your child. The Sunbeatables superheroes can help you start the conversation.
I’m really glad they have done this Sunbeatables program. Leo has been crazy about sunglasses in particular, but when we go outside he’ll tell me, ‘Mom, I’m supposed to wear long sleeves and a hat’ and things like that. This program has helped make it fun, so that was good.
Martha Lipovac
Parent
Meet the Sunbeatables
Ray is the leader. He has the superpower of shade. Ray also wears a magic watch that reminds him to be SUPER-protected during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when shadows are shorter.
Serena has the superpower of sunscreen.
Chloe has the superpower of protective clothing.
Stefan has the superpower of protective sunglasses.
Hanna has the superpower of protective hats.
Together with parents, the Sunbeatables can educate children about sun protection.
Parent materials
Visit the Sunbeatables digital platform to access parent tips and resources. Promote the Sunbeatables at your child's school by using the following materials.
Contact Us
For more information on the
Sunbeatables program, please contact us at bewellcommunities@mdanderson.org.
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