Dermatologists issue challenge to youth: A 60-second video could win you some tech gear for the summer

OTTAWA, June 3, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is challenging young people across Canada to put their creativity to work and make a short video about sun safety as part of National Sun Awareness Week, June 2^nd - 8^th. This is the third year the CDA is hosting the Sun. Camera. Action. video contest and hopes to see many more great videos.

"Getting young people involved in awareness efforts for sun safety is essential," says Dr. Cheryl Rosen, National Chair of the CDA's Sun Awareness Program. "This is a great opportunity for teens to get really creative and spread the word about the dangers of excessive UV exposure and the effects it can have on your health later in life."

Estimates for 2014 indicate 6,500 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in Canada and sadly 1,050 people are expected to die from melanoma. Skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer worldwide; this includes melanoma as well as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. There is an ever-growing need to ensure youth have the right understanding and tools to combat this highly preventable disease. Knowing to stay out of the sun at peak times, using sunscreen, and covering up with adequate clothing are just some of the simple ways to substantially lower the risk of developing skin cancer.

The contest is open to individuals and teams of 3-5 people who are between the ages of 13-18 years old. Submissions are due by June 20 and the public are invited to vote for their favourite videos on the CDA Facebook page until June 27. At which point, the videos with the highest number of votes will be presented to a judging panel from the CDA to determine a winner. The judges will select one grand prize individual winner, one grand prize team winner and several runners-up from the videos deemed to best express a message of sun safety.

The winners whose video are deemed the most creative and sun savvy will receive a brand new iPad (for individual winner) or iPod (for each winning team member), and all runners-up will receive Apple or Future Shop gift cards for their hard work. Video entries must be 60-seconds or less and be comprised of original and appropriate content; full contest rules are available on the CDA's Facebook contest page.

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 other community events. For more information, please visit www.dermatology.ca.

About CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association strives to provide easy access to the largest, most reliable Canadian 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 the work CDA does visit www.dermatology.ca or join the conversation on www.Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or www.Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.

SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association

Jennifer Scott, Director of Communications
Office: 613-738-1748 x 222  |  Cell: 613-716-2098
[email protected]