Document Actions
Be UV Smart
What is skin cancer? What causes it? Find out who is at risk.
Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
 | Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two cause scarring and are rarely fatal. The third type, melanoma, is dangerous because it can spread throughout the body. |
The good news is that if caught early, melanoma has a 90% cure rate (Canadian Dermatology Association, 2009). In Canada, 87% of males and 93% of females will survive at least 5 years after they are diagnosed with melanoma (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2009).
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun and tanning equipment is the main cause of skin cancer. UVA and UVB are the ones that do the most permanent damage to the skin and eyes.
Who is at Risk?
At increased risk are people who have:
- Severe blistering sunburn(s). For example, one blistering sunburn in a child or teen more than doubles his or her chance of developing melanoma later in life.
- Long-term exposure to UVA and UVB (i.e., sun or indoor tanning equipment).
- Skin cancer or a family history of melanoma. Having light colored skin, eyes, and hair; more than 50 moles; a large mole; and, those born with a mole; are also at an increased risk.
How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family?
UVA and UVB radiation not only cause cancer, they cause premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Those who still want a tan should consider self-tanners (e.g., creams, lotions, and sprays) to help keep their youthful looks and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
| Be Sure to Wear Enough Sunscreen. Most people do not use enough sunscreen. To protect your exposed skin use about 28 mL (1 oz) of sunscreen. That’s enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass or 2 tablespoons. You may have to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day depending on what type of sunscreen you are using and on what type of activity you are doing. Follow the directions on the container. |
click here for FAMILY SUN SAFETY GUIDELINES
KEY REFERENCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association. (2009). Melanoma. Retrieved July 10, 2009, from http://www.dermatology.ca/programs/melanomainfo/index.html.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2009). Melanoma skin cancer facts and figures. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/melanoma_skin_cancer_figures-cancer_peau_melanome_figures-eng.php.
