OTTAWA, June 2, 2014 /CNW/ - It's that time of year again when Canadians get reacquainted with the sun and the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) wants to make sure families are planning for a sun safe summer.
Proper sun protection is important at every age, but different family members have different sun safety needs. Everyone should be applying SPF 30+ sunscreen before heading outside and wearing chic hats and sunglasses but that's not all there is to it, especially when it comes to younger and older family members.
For instance, sunscreen should not be used on babies under 6 months and should be kept in the shaded areas. In fact, babies and small children should have limited sun exposure, since a sunburn can be much more serious and may necessitate a trip to the hospital. Teach children how to identify shade (created by trees, buildings, or porches) and teach them the sun rhyme: When my shadow is long, I can go out and have fun. When my shadow is short, I stay out of the sun.
"Lifestyle habits usually start at a young age," says Dr. Cheryl Rosen, national co-chair of the CDA's Sun Awareness Program. "And one of the best ways to teach is by example, so make sure you practice what you preach."
Seniors should take extra precautions where their medications are concerned because some medications can cause the skin to become oversensitive to the sun and cause sunburn, blisters, swelling or rashes. Some of these medications include antibiotics, diuretics, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-diabetic preparations and some acne drugs.
Regardless of age taking steps to be summer sun smart will help avoid painful sunburns today and potentially deadly skin cancer tomorrow. Estimates for 2014 indicate there will be 76,100 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed this year and 6,500 new cases of melanoma, which is almost as much as lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer combined. (82,600:98,700).
"Limiting our time outside during the sun's peak hours and wearing sunscreen are a couple of the easiest ways to protect skin," says Dr. Rosen.
To help identify effective sunscreen products, look for the logo of the Canadian Dermatology Association as these products have been tested and have met the evaluation criteria of the CDA's Sun Protection Program. These sunscreens have a minimum SPF 30, are broad-spectrum (protecting against UVA as well as UVB radiation), and are non-comedogenic, non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and minimally or non-perfumed.
About Sun Awareness Week
The Canadian Dermatology Association has organized a nationwide Sun Awareness Week since 1989. The purpose of the annual campaign is to increase the awareness of Canadians about the harmful effects of UV radiation and the ways to protect the skin from UV exposure, in order to decrease the incidence of skin cancer in Canada. During National Sun Awareness Week, June 2 - 8, 2014, dermatologists will volunteer at free public skin cancer screenings and various community events across the country. For more information, please visit www.dermatology.ca.
About the CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association provides easy access to the largest, most reliable source of medical knowledge on dermatology. CDA exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin, hair and nails; provide continuing professional development for its members; support and advance patient care; provide public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin health; and promote a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. By doing so, CDA informs and empowers both medical professionals and the Canadian public.
To learn more about what the work CDA does visit www.dermatology.ca or join the conversation on www.Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or www.Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.
Canadian Dermatology Association: Backgrounder
2014 Skin Cancer Stats and Facts
- The focus of the CDA's 26th National Sun Awareness Campaign 2014 is summer sun safety and making sure all members of the family are meeting their different needs for sun safety.
- CDA is running its 3rd National Video Competition, Sun. Camera. Action! inviting teens to create sun savvy videos for the chance to win prizes. The winning videos may also be featured in one of CDA's national campaigns. Details www.facebook.com/CdnDermatology
- Skin cancer is one of a small number of cancers that is highly preventable through simple measures such as limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, wearing hats and clothing, and using an SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum sunscreen.
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Canadians. More than 76,100 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell) are expected in 2014.
- Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014
- Estimates are that there will be 6,500 new cases of melanoma diagnosed this year and will cause 1,050 deaths.
- Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014
- The lifetime risk of skin cancer for Canadians born in the 1990's is 1 in 6. For those born in the 1960's, it is 1 in 20.
- Source: Trends of non-melanoma skin cancer from 1960 through 2000 in a Canadian population, JAAD, August 2005, Vol 53.
- The estimated cost of treating skin cancer is predicted to almost double from $532 million in 2004 to $921 million in 2031.
- Source: H. Krueger & Associates Inc. The Economic Burden of Skin Cancer in Canada: Current and Projected. 2010. Prepared for the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
2014 Events
- Tuesday, June 3
- Moncton, N.B. - Free skin cancer screening at the YMCA of Greater Moncton, 30 War Veterans Avenue from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 4
- Calgary, Alb. - Free skin cancer screening at the Killarney Aquatic Centre, 1919 29 Street SW from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- St. John's, Nfld. - Free skin cancer screening at the Avalon Mall near The Gap, 48 Kenmount Road from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sudbury, Ont. - Free skin cancer screening at the office of Dr. Lyne Giroux, 336 Pine Suite, Suite 400 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, June 5
- Calgary, Alb. - Sun awareness station at the Seniors Resource Fair hosted at the Genesis Centre, #10, 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, June 6
- Toronto, Ont. - Free skin cancer screening at Toronto City Hall, Committee Room 1 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, June 7
- Vancouver, B.C. - Free skin cancer screening at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, 1050 Beach Ave from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 18
- Ottawa, Ont. - Sun awareness station at the 2014 CFS Leitrim MS Charity Golf Tournament at GreyHawk Golf Club. (Closed event)
- Saturday, July 26
- Chelsea, Que. - Sun awareness station at the Lucy Slade Memorial Sprint Regatta, full day event.
- Wednesday, August 6
- St. John's, Nfld. - Sun awareness station at the Royal St. John's Regatta, full day event.
- Sunday, August 17
- Kitchener, Ont. - Sun awareness station at Kidspark at Victoria Park, 200 King Street West from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More events will be added as the details are firmed up, check the calendar of events on dermatology.ca for updates.
SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association
Jennifer Scott, Director, Communications
Office: 613-738-1748 x 222 | Cell: 613-716-2098
[email protected]
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