Wellness - Cancer Risk and Prevention
Sun Safety

RAYS

The facts are as glaring as the sun

Santa Barbara’s sunny days create a natural, year-round playground for our kids.  On average, children spend a far greater amount of time outside than adults and therefore receive three times more ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a year.  Unlike a tan that fades away at the end of the summer, the harmful effects of UV radiation accumulate.  A child will receive the majority of his or her lifetime sun exposure by age 18.

Early protection is key. 
90% of all skin cancers are
due to lack of proper sun protection.

Today, we know that unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays can increase the risk of skin cancer.  Sunburns occurring before the age of 20 are of particular concern.  Unlike a tan that fades away, the harmful effects of sun damage are cumulative.  Children receive the majority of their lifetime sun exposure by age 18. 

About the RAYS Program

In Santa Barbara, kids in summer camps are learning about skin cancer and ways to help prevent it.  They are wearing hats, using sunscreen, and seeking shade while having fun on the beach and other outdoor recreational activities.  The Cancer Center’s RAYS Program is helping to make this possible.

RAYS - Raising Awareness Yields Sun Safety is a 10-week sun safety program developed by the Cancer Center’s Wellness Department to heighten sun safety awareness and practices amongst children, their parents, and recreation staff.  Every summer, the RAYS Program is offered at over 12 different summer camps.  Participating camps receive 10-weeks worth of fun-filled skin cancer prevention curriculum plus hats, sunscreen and shade canopies. Current participants include the Fun-in-the Sun, the Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and Montecito YMCA’s and the Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation Department summer day camps.