Skin cancer awareness
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.
It’s also one of the most preventable.
In 2011, it is estimated that there will be 79,700 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Canada.
This summer, the Canadian Cancer Society will be promoting skin cancer awareness throughout Saskatchewan, with the kickoff on June 6. This date marks the start of National Sun Awareness Week, a public awareness and education campaign sponsored annually by the Canadian Dermatology Association in an effort to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Canada. This year’s campaign focuses on safe fun in the sun.
Sun and skin cancer
In Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. The risk of skin cancer today is much greater than it was 20 years ago and continues to increase.
We are exposed to more ultraviolet (UV) rays as the protective layer of ozone around the earth becomes thinner due to the effects of pollution and chemicals.
UV rays can get through clouds, fog and haze. Water, sand, concrete and especially snow can reflect, and even increase, the sun's burning rays.
You can get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, in your diet (especially if you eat foods fortified with vitamin D), or by taking vitamin supplements.
A few minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure is all some people need to get enough vitamin D. You don’t need a tan to get benefits from the sun, and tanning beds are not a safe way to get your vitamin D. Even with the benefits of vitamin D, we recommend that you still practice SunSense.
Being safe in the sun
Nobody wants to stay inside when the sun’s shining. So when you’re outside, using a little SunSense can protect you and your family from getting too much sun.
Plan ahead
If you can, plan your outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun is not at its strongest, or any time of the day when the UV Index is 3 or less.
If your shadow is shorter than you, it’s time to find some shade or go inside. If you can’t find shade, create your own. Take along an umbrella – that way you can have shade wherever you need it.
Cover up
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun is to cover up. Choose clothing that is:
Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your head, face, ears and neck. Hats like baseball caps won't give you enough protection. Many skin cancers happen on the face and neck. These areas need extra protection.
Put sunscreen on your ears, chin and neck even when you’re wearing a hat.
Wear your sunglasses
Sunglasses can help prevent damage to your eyes by blocking a large amount of UV rays. Keep your shades on and make sure your children wear them too. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective, but make sure you choose ones with:
Use sunscreen properly
Sunscreen can’t block all the sun’s rays. Use it along with shade, clothing and hats, not instead of them. Use sunscreen as a backup in your sun protection plan.
Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and if you work outdoors or are planning to be outside most of the day, use an SPF 30.
Look for “broad spectrum” on the label. This means that the sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays.
Apply your sunscreen generously and at least 20 minutes before going outside. Read the label and follow the instructions for reapplying. Don’t forget to cover your nose, ears and the tops of your feet. Use a waterproof sunscreen if you’re in or near water.
Avoid indoor tanning
Just like the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps release UV rays that can cause sunburn, damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. More on indoor tanning.
Check your skin regularly
You can never be completely safe from the sun. Over time, exposure to UV rays may cause skin cancer. Get to know the skin you're in and report any changes to your doctor.
Read more: http://www.cancer.ca/Saskatchewan/Prevention/Use%20SunSense/Using%20SunSense.aspx?sc_lang=en#ixzz1TjbwmRX5
Live well
Overexposure to UV radiation, either from the sun’s rays or from tanning beds, is linked to skin cancer.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer by protecting your skin throughout the year:
Avoid too much exposure to UV radiation.
Don’t use tanning beds (especially if you’re under the age of 18).
Protect yourself outdoors when the UV Index is 3 or higher.
Stay in the shade.
Cover up. Wear loose-fitting clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (SPF 30 or higher if you will be outside for most of the day or if you work outdoors).
Be aware
Learn what to look for and check your skin regularly, as most skin cancers can be cured if they’re caught early enough.
Make sure that you or someone else checks hard-to-get-at places such as your back, back of your neck and ears and backs of your legs.
What you should watch for:
any change in a birthmark, or a mole that changes shape, colour, size or surface
any new growth on your skin pale – pearly nodules that may grow larger and crust, or red, scaly, sharply defined patches
any sore that doesn’t heal
any patch of skin that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches or becomes red and bumpy
If you notice changes or are confused about what you should be looking for, ask your doctor for help.
Get involved
You can help in the fight against skin cancer by encouraging healthy lifestyles and the development of healthy public policies.
Reduce cancer risks for the next generation
By teaching your child how to protect their skin while they’re young, you’ll be protecting them now and reducing their risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
Fight for public policy
Because indoor tanning is especially harmful to young people, the Canadian Cancer Society is making this an election issue. You can help by making your voice heard.
The Society is recommending to the government of Saskatchewan that:
People under the age of 18 should not be allowed by law to use indoor tanning equipment.
Indoor tanning advertising aimed at people under the age of 18 should be banned.
There should be a registry or licensing system of indoor tanning equipment in Saskatchewan to ensure that health risks associated with UVR-emitting devices are displayed prominently and in clear view of clients at all indoor tanning facilities.
Join the Canadian Cancer Society in the fight against cancer by letting your local and provincial government representatives know that you support these recommendations.
To find out more, contact your local Canadian Cancer Society office.
