Can children get skin cancer?
Although it’s rare, children can get skin cancer. For example, melanoma, the most severe type of
skin cancer, is found in 300-400 children in the US each year. And, because it’s so rare, it’s often
undiagnosed until the later stages, when treatment may be more difficult. Childhood skin cancer can
also look different from adult skin cancers, with areas becoming itchy or bleeding. And childhood
melanomas can look different too. Lesions might look like a flaky or shiny sore that doesn’t heal.
Non melanoma skin cancer is more common in children whose immune system has been weakened
by an illness or medication. Keeping your child protected from the sun, and using high-SPF
sunscreen, can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.