The Canadian Dermatology Association urges Canadians to protect themselves from skin cancer this summer
01 May 2024 - 10:00PM
The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) has launched its annual
month-long Sun Awareness Campaign. This year is focused on
protecting children and adolescents; the campaign encourages
Canadians to not only educate themselves on effective sun
protection behaviors but also to embrace lifestyle changes that
contribute to long-term skin health. Through a combination of
educational resources, community engagement initiatives, and
strategic partnerships, the CDA envisions a proactive and united
front against the preventable risks of skin cancer, especially
among the most vulnerable demographic.
It is estimated that “approximately 80% of lifetime sun exposure
occurs before the age of 18 years," (Stern RS, Weinstein MC, Baker
SG. Risk reduction for nonmelanoma skin cancer with childhood
sunscreen use. Arch Dermatol. 1986;122:537–545). "...UVR-induced
skin changes and associated photodamage may begin as early as
the first summer of life, before infant skin has accommodated to
the environment and before natural photoprotection is
fully developed,"(Nikolovski J, Stamatas GN, Kollias N,
Wiegand BC. Barrier function and waterholding and transport
properties of infant stratum corneum are different from adult and
continue to develop through the first year of life. J Invest
Dermatol. 2008;128(7):1728 –1736).
The CDA recommends parents take the following steps to protect
youth:
- Avoid sun exposure during hours of peak UV intensity, which
usually is between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Seek shade when outdoors
- Wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and
UV-protective sunglasses
- Use sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of
30
As always, early detection is key, and everyone should regularly
perform a skin evaluation and see a Certified Dermatologist if they
spot something suspicious.
“Children’s skin is more susceptible to UV damage and skin
cancer. In addition, the amount of sun exposure acquired by
children and adolescents tends to be over 50% of their lifetime
cumulative sun exposure! Canadians at risk should increase their
awareness of sun protection behaviours and modify their lifestyle
practices to prevent skin cancer and other possible harmful effects
of excessive ultraviolet exposure,” says Dr. Sunil Kalia, national
chair of the CDA Sun Awareness Working Group and Associate
Professor at the University of British Columbia.
“As we launch this year's Sun Awareness Campaign, our focus is
squarely on the well-being of our youth,” says CDA President Dr.
Michele Ramien, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Alberta
Children’s Hospital in Calgary, Alta. Her practice is focused on
clinical care of medically or dermatologically complex children.
“We believe that informed communities and parents can make a
substantial impact in reducing the incidence of skin cancer,
particularly when it comes to our children and adolescents,” added
Dr. Ramien.
2023 CDA Sun Safe Behaviour
Survey
The latest public opinion survey commissioned by the CDA in
September 2023 revealed some positive trends. The top concerns for
Canadians exposing themselves to the sun continue to be sunburn and
increased risk of skin cancer.
Positive Findings
- More parents recognize the importance of applying sunscreen
before heading outdoors (83% parents vs. 72% of those without
children).
- Overall parents seem to be more concerned with preventing acne
breakouts, a sentiment that extends to their selection of sun
protection products. Parents have better habits when it comes to
reapplying sunscreen.
Findings of concern
- More parents believe sun exposure causes irreparable damage to
the skin (87% vs. 80% of those without children), yet an increasing
amount of them still enjoy being in the sun despite its risks (70%
vs. 58% of those without children).
- A higher proportion of parents think sunscreen may cause damage
to the environment (59% vs. 49% of those without children) and
admit that the impact sunscreen has on the environment deters them
from using it (29% vs. 21% of those without children).
- Significantly more parents believe that sun protection in the
winter is not necessary (34% vs. 26% of those without children), or
that when skin is tanned or skin tone is naturally dark, it’s not
as important to apply sunscreen (32% vs. 23% of those without
children), and having a tan is important to them (45% vs. 34% of
those without children).
- Fewer parents try to avoid sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3
p.m. (46% vs. 58% of those without children).
- Other concerning beliefs that more parents hold than those
without children include that when it’s cloudy outside, there is no
need to use sunscreen (44% vs. 29%), getting a sunburn is the first
step to getting a suntan/makes you tan faster (29% vs. 20%), and
there’s no need to wear sunscreen in the winter (36% vs.
27%).
For more details, access the 2023 SUN SAFE BEHAVIOUR
SURVEY.
Important Dates
- Sun Awareness Month (May 1-31)
- CDA’s Third Annual “Check Your Skin Day” (May
5)
- Week 1 (May 1-3): Launch of campaign, Release of Ipsos Reid
Survey Results
- Week 2 (May 5-11): Why are children and youth important to
target?
- Week 3 (May 13-17): Healthy Sun Protection Habits
- Week 4 (May 20-24): Targeting youth outdoor workers in high sun
exposure environments
- Week 5 (May 27-31): Look For the Logo Program
For more advice from the CDA on protecting yourself from
melanoma and other skin cancers, visit
dermatology.ca
About the Canadian Dermatology
Association
Established in 1925, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA)
is a member organization that advocates for
dermatologists across Canada, underscoring their essential role in
the healthcare system. As a community of Certified Dermatologists,
we are dedicated to advancing the science of dermatology
encompassing over 3000 skin, hair and nail conditions. Our
commitment extends beyond professional support; we
also protect and educate the public through
comprehensive educational initiatives and our product recognition
program.
To learn more about CDA initiatives, visit dermatology.ca and
join the conversation on our social media channels.
For media inquiries, contact: Maryn
Hendry, Communications Coordinator Email:
media@dermatology.ca