Ontario's Doctors: Planning a holiday? Avoid tanning beds and the sun's harmful rays

TORONTO, March 10, 2014 /CNW/ - March break has finally arrived and for those planning a beach holiday, Ontario's doctors want to remind travellers to avoid 'pre-tanning' in tanning beds and to protect skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide - and melanoma is a particularly deadly form of it, with limited treatment options at this time. Exposure to UV rays is the biggest risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

"Don't be fooled: UV rays in tanning beds are as dangerous as the UV rays from the sun, and exposure to these rays drastically increases the chances of getting skin cancer," said Dr. Scott Wooder, President of the Ontario Medical Association.

With the sun becoming stronger and creating reflection off the snow, a reminder to Ontarians spending time outside this week: sunscreen is still important on your face and other exposed skin.

Remember these simple tips:

• Avoid tanning beds;
• Wear broad-brimmed hats or use sun umbrellas, and try to stay in the shade to avoid direct sun, especially in the middle of the day;
• Dress in loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts or long pants to protect your skin;
• Apply sunscreen liberally and often and remember SPF only measures protection against UVB and does not measure UVA protection. Because we know that UVA rays are also harmful, sunscreens that are broad-spectrum with coverage for both UVA and UVB rays are the most protective. SPF 30 is regarded as a good, all-purpose sunscreen.

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

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