No one is
completely safe from the sun. Proper sun exposure is imperative if you spend
time outdooors and are exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Over
time, exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause damage to your skin
and eyes as well as contributing to premature ageing of the skin.
Anyone born today has a 1 in 7 risk of
developing skin cancer during his or her lifetime.
The risk of developing skin cancer is higher for people
who:
Have light-coloured skin, eyes and hair
Freckle easily and have a large number of
moles
Have a family history of skin cancer
Had several blistering sunburns as a child
Use certain drugs or cosmetics that make
you more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation
Take medications to suppress the immune
system
Have received an organ transplant
Participate in outdoor activities and
outdoor sports
(Canadian Cancer Society, Facts on Skin Cancer, 2006)
Enjoy
outdoor activities while in the sun by following the
Canadian Cancer Society Sunsense Guidelines:
Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m and 4
p.m or when the UV Index is 3 or more.
The
sun’s rays are the strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.. If you can, plan your
outdoor activities before or after this time. It’s easy to remember this
time-during these hours, your shadow is shorter than you are!
photo courtesy of Queensland
Health, Queensland Australia
Seek shade or create your own shade.
When
you are outside, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or when the UV Index is
3 or more, try to stay in the shade. Be prepared for places without any shade
by taking along an umbrella. With an umbrella you can create shade wherever
you need it!
Slip! On clothing
to cover your arms and legs.
Covering your skin will protect it from the sun. Choose clothing that is:
loose fitting, tightly woven, light weight.
Slap!
On a wide-brimmed hat.
Most
skin cancers occur on the face and neck, so this area needs extra protection.
Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your head, face, ears and neck. Hats
without a wide brim, like baseball caps, do not give you enough protection.
Slop!
On sunscreen with SPF # 15 or higher.
Use
a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) or #15 or higher-SPF 30 if you
work outdoors or if you will be outside for most of the day.
Look for “broad spectrum” on the label. This means that the sunscreen offers
protection against two types of ultraviolet rays. UV-A and UV-B.
Apply sunscreen generously, 20 minutes before outdoor activities.
Reapply frequently, at least every two hours, and after swimming or exercise
that makes you perspire.
No sunscreen can absorb all of the sun’s rays. Use sunscreen along with
shade, clothing and hats, not instead of them...
Use sunscreen as a back-up in
your sun protection plan
Keep babies under one year out of the direct sun.
Babies need
extra protection because their skin is very sensitive. It is best to keep
young babies out of direct sunlight. Keep your child’s stroller, playpen or
carriage in the shade.
Artificial tanning equipment, like tanning beds and
sunlamps are not safe a way to tan.
Tanning
salons do not give you a “safe tan without burning”. A tan is evidence of sun
damage. Just like the sun, tanning lights and sun lamps emit ultraviolet rays
that can cause sunburn, aging skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. The
strength of the ultraviolet rays, especially the UV-A type, may actually be
higher in tanning beds than in sunlight!
Following the SunSense Guidelines will help you protect yourself and your family
from the the sun.
What else should be part of my sun protection plan?
Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses can help prevent damage to your
eyes by blocking a large amount of ultraviolet rays
Choose sunglasses with: even shading,
medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint), UV-A and
UV-B protection
These qualities can be found in many
inexpensive sunglasses.
Keep your 'shades' on,
and make sure your children wear them too!
Check your Skin Regularly...
Most skin cancers can be cured, if caught early enough. Get to
know your skin! Know the location and appearance of birthmarks and moles. Check
your skin regularly so you can detect any changes.
See your doctor right away if you
notice:
A birthmark or mole that changes shape,
colour, size or surface
A sore that does not heal
New growths on your skin
Patches of skin that bleed, ooze, swell,
itch or become red or bumpy
Have your doctor check any area you are
concerned about. Only a doctor can tell you if the changes are normal or not.
Skin
Cancer Prevention
Enjoy
outdoor activities while in the sun by following the
Use
a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) or #15 or higher-SPF 30 if you
work outdoors or if you will be outside for most of the day. 