sun, skin, melanoma, sunscreen, UV
Alberta Cancer Board advice about sun safety.
Sun Safety
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Alberta and in Canada, but a few simple precautions will dramatically lower your risk.
Non-melanoma skin cancers (i.e. basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are most common, representing approximately one-third of all newly diagnosed cancers. In 2004, there were 5,352 newly diagnosed non-melanoma skin cancers in Alberta.
Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is also more serious. In 2004, there were 514 new cases of melanoma and 65 deaths linked to melanoma.
Causes of skin cancer
Skin cancer is caused largely by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. Most experts now agree that exposure to artificial UVR (e.g. tanning equipment) also increases lifetime skin cancer risk.
In the short-term, overexposure to UVR can lead to sunburn. Long-term overexposure to UVR increases the risk of developing skin cancer, and can cause premature aging of the skin, eye damage, and a weakened immune system.
Skin cancer is highly preventable. Sun protection is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3!
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Cover Up
Put on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face and neck. Also, try to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. And don’t forget sunglasses!
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Use Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed skin 20 minutes before you go outside. And re-apply at least once every two hours!
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Seek Shade
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are most powerful between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. So plan your activities around this time, avoiding peak hours. If outside, trees and umbrellas make great shade stops. |
Sun Safety Tips
Raise the SPF - Sunscreens are rated according to their effectiveness in providing protection from Ultraviolet (UV) rays and then are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Higher numbers indicate more protection. As a rule of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen - Check the label to be sure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Sun safe kids - Ask your pharmacist about a suitable sunscreen for your children. Don't apply sunscreen around their eyes as it may sting and burn. Instead, protect their eyes with sunglasses. Babies and young children are especially prone to sunburn and should be carefully protected. Remember to keep babies younger than 12 months out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Choose the sunscreen that is right for you - Whether it's a gel, lotion or spray, try different types until you find one that best suits your lifestyle and activities.
Use it! - The sun's UV rays are able to reach the earth on both sunny and overcast days. So make sure you use sunscreen every day, in addition to wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeved clothing and sunglasses.
Avoid peak UV hours - Protect yourself and your family particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest, or any time of the day when the UV index is 3 or more. It’s easy to remember, when your shadow is shorter than you are – seek shade!
Related links:
 Develop your "sun sense". On the page this link takes you to, you will learn more about:
- The Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays
- What is the UV Index?
- Indoor Tanning
- Vitamin D and the Sun
- Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Use
Questions and Answers About Sun Safety
Information from other websites about Sun Safety
Cancer Statistics
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