A Message to Parents: Sun Safety Saves Lives

OAKVILLE, ON, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is aiming to deliver a strong message to parents: sun safety saves lives. The MNC is doing this through their 'Sun Aware' campaign aimed at promoting sun safety at summer camps.

Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) with support from the Douglas Wright Foundation have launched SUN AWARE certification that offers a free and easy-to-follow program for owners and directors of children and youth-geared summer camps to implement best practices in sun safety. The program is part of Melanoma Network of Canada's national, youth-directed 'Screen Me' sun safety awareness campaign.

"Melanoma can be a very aggressive and deadly cancer if not detected early. Parents just aren't getting the message about sun safety, which could prevent many cases and the rise of melanoma incidents in our youth" says Annette Cyr, Chair of MNC.  "We now know that radiation from sun and tanning beds is the number one cause of melanoma and other skin cancers. Parents have the best chance to influence healthy behaviours yet most are not practicing sun safety themselves, let alone reminding their kids of the need."

Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer and is increasing at alarming rates worldwide. Incident rates of melanoma have tripled in the last 30 years in Canada, largely due to sun exposure.

"By becoming certified as a SUN AWARE camp, and following our simple program of best practices, camp leaders can make a huge difference in the health outcomes of the youth under their care – practices that will impact their health as adults and their capacity for healthy aging. It is essential that we teach proper sun safety from an early age. Children and teens often have their first extended outdoor experience – accompanied by larger than usual amounts of direct sunlight – at summer camp. Camps and their leaders have a key role to play in helping us educate youth about this first, crucial stage of sun awareness."

The primary cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds. Young people are especially at risk: melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer for youth between the ages of 15–29.  Parents are encouraged to learn more about the program, by visiting the MNC's FAQs website or by calling the SUN AWARE Camp Program at 905.901.5121 ext. 104. To register your camp, click here . For more information, visit: http://www.screenme.ca/.

About the Melanoma Network Canada (MNC)
Melanoma Network Canada (MNC) is a national charitable organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of melanoma. Established in 2009, the MNC works to support early diagnosis and effective treatment of melanoma and skin cancers through education, prevention and awareness programs, innovative research, support for patients and an improved quality of life for those living with melanoma. For information on melanoma or to get involved, please visit us at www.melanomanetwork.ca.  

SOURCE Melanoma Network of Canada

Media Contact: Carol Anne Ruscica, Excecutive Director, Melanoma Network of Canada,905.901.5121 ext. 105, [email protected]