-by Bonnie MacIsaac
Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is urging Canadians to adopt sun-safe practices that will better protect them against melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
This call to action from Canada’s certified dermatologists comes as the CDA recently released new public opinion research that reveals some worrisome trends in Canadians’ attitudes towards sun exposure and sun protection. The latest CDA Sun Safe Behaviour Survey shows that Canadians continue to have misconceptions about certain “sun smart” practices. The survey also suggests that Canadians are still too frequently failing to take the steps they know would reduce their risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
“This gap between knowledge and behaviour on some sun-protection measures is a matter of concern for dermatologists,” says Dr. Jennifer Beecker, national chair of the CDA Sun Awareness Working Group. “As we gear up for the summer months, when Canadians spend more time outdoors and increase their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, our profession wants to raise awareness about sun safety and also dispel some common misconceptions.”
Melanoma: An increasing threat
Canada’s certified dermatologists note that the incidence of melanoma has steadily increased in Canada for the past several decades. From 1992 to 2013, the incidence rates of melanoma went up 2.1 per cent per year for men, and 2.0 per cent for women. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2017, an estimated 7200 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 1250 Canadians died from the disease.
“As the incidence of melanoma continues to rise, the CDA wants to reinforce the message that sun-safe behaviours are very important for prevention,” says CDA President Dr. Neil Shear. “We are also stressing the need to seek your dermatologist’s advice as soon as you notice worrisome skin changes. While melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, it is highly treatable when discovered early.”
CDA Sun Safe Behaviour Survey
The CDA has commissioned its Sun Safe Behaviour Survey every year since 2015. The questions for the most recent survey were fielded on Ipsos’ Canadian online omnibus between September 5th and 11th, 2018, to a representative sample of 1204 Canadians, age 16 and older.
Positive Findings
– Sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging rank as the top three sun-exposure concerns among Canadians and they are most concerned about the risk of skin cancer.
– The percentage of Canadians who say it is important to stay out of the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. has increased significantly since 2017.
– Three-quarters of Canadians say it is important to use sunscreen, and close to 90 per cent report using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Seven in 10 agree it is important to wear sun-protective clothing.
– Nearly six in 10 Canadians say that they conduct self-examinations of their skin, with a third saying that they ask their doctor/dermatologist to conduct skin examinations.
Findings of concern
– Two out of 10 Canadians use sunscreen daily.
– There has been a significant increase in the false belief that some sun exposure without sunscreen is needed to meet the recommended vitamin D requirement.
– Although nine out of 10 respondents agreed that too much exposure to sunlight can damage their eyes, the proportion of Canadians who say they wear sunglasses with UV protective lenses when outdoors, all year round, is down significantly from 2017.
– The percentage of respondents who believe that getting a sunburn is the first step to getting a tan has increased significantly from 2017. The CDA stresses that sunburn can increase the risk of melanoma and should be avoided.
Minimize Your Melanoma Risk
These are among the sun-safe behaviours the CDA reminds Canadians to practice:
– Seek shade between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
– Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
– Wear sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.
– Early detection is key, and everyone should regularly perform a skin evaluation and see a certified dermatologist if you spot something suspicious.
Thanks to the experts at the Canadian Dermatology Association for this timely information! Only good if put to use, I always say. For more advice from the CDA on protecting yourself from melanoma and other skin cancers, visit dermatology.ca. You can also check out their Fact Sheet: 2018 Sun Safe Behaviour Survey at www.dermatology.ca/statistics.
And just to note ...The Melanoma Network of Canada reports that this year, 2019, approximately 7640 (4186 males and 3454 females) Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma and it is estimated that there will be 1364 deaths. Melanoma is one of the most common cancer types found in young adults aged 15 to 29.
Health Canada would also like to remind Canadians to protect themselves and their families from the sun. There are many sunscreen products available in Canada. It is important to choose a sunscreen with the level of sun protection factor (SPF) that is right for you. The SPF tells you the level of protection that the sunscreen provides against sunburn. It also tells you the length of time that your sunscreen-protected skin can be exposed before it starts to get red.
Health Canada recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. At this time, Health Canada does not have enough scientific information demonstrating that products with SPF higher than 50 provide additional protection.
Sunscreen safety tips
Choose a high SPF. Protect your health by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. The sunscreen should also say “broad-spectrum” on the label, to screen out most of the UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreens and babies. Do not put sunscreen on babies less than six months of age. Keep them out of the sun and heat as their skin and bodies are much more sensitive than an adult’s.
– A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied to babies over six months of age.
Look for water resistant. Look for claims on the label that the product stays on better in water (water resistant, very water resistant).
Read application instructions. For best results, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label. Use lots of it. Use the recommended amount of sunscreen.
Apply it often. Apply sunscreen before heading outside and use a generous amount. Reapply 20 minutes after going outside and at least every two hours after that. Cover exposed areas generously, including ears, nose, the tops of feet and backs of knees. Reapply sunscreen often to get the best possible protection especially if you are swimming or sweating heavily.
Protect yourself. Sunscreen and insect repellents can be used safely together. Apply the sunscreen first, then the insect repellent.
Test for an allergic reaction. Before using any product on you or your child, check for an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply it to a small patch of skin on the inner forearm for several days in a row. If the skin turns red or otherwise reacts, change products.
Prescription drugs and over-the-counter products. Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter products may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Speak to a health care provider (such as a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse) if you have any questions about which sunscreen is appropriate for you.
To report a side effect to a health product to Health Canada: Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345. Visit Health Canada’s web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail, or by fax. Log on to: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca and follow the links.
Melanoma is highly curable in the early stages. About 90 per cent of melanoma can be cured if caught early. Do you recall the ABCDE’s of Melanoma?
The ABCDE’s of melanoma are:
Asymmetry – one half of the mole is unlike the other half;
Border – irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border;
Colour – varied from one area to another, shades of tan and brown; black, sometimes white, red or blue;
Diameter – larger than 6mm as a rule, that's about the diameter of a pencil eraser;
Elevation – it’s raised above the surface of the skin.
If you have any questions regarding melanoma or on any other form of cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society has a toll-free number you can call their information specialists. Call toll-free at 1-888-939-3333 Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., anywhere in Canada.
