Briefly noted: A recent study (Campbell LB, et al. J Pediatr 2015; 166: 1505-13) has shown a reducing incidence of melanoma in children and adolescents in the U.S. during the 2000-2010 study period.  This study used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry.  In adolescents, between 2003-2010, the rate of this very rare cancer decreased ~11% per year from 2003-2010.

While the authors do not know the reason for this improved trend, besides speculation about improved used of sunscreen, they also speculate that decreased time spent outdoors may be a factor.  My hunch is that this is a much more likely a contributor to this trend due to the pervasive nature of television, computers and other electronic devices.

Cumberland Island