Preventing Skin Cancer - Local experts show how to make it a year-round priority

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL, Oct. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is hosting a public skin cancer screening with local expert dermatologists at the Exploits Valley Mall today to drive home the importance of year-round sun protection. Nearly 88,000 new cases of skin cancer were expected this year. Of these, close to 1,500 patients will not survive.

The sun's UV rays have the same damaging effects on skin all year long, which is why the CDA is asking Canadians to rethink how they use sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen during the winter months is just as important as during summer sunburn weather. Chronically exposed areas of the skin like the face, head, neck and hands are among the most common areas for skin cancers to appear and they are often exposed year-round.

Skin cancer is the most widely diagnosed form of cancer in Canada and worldwide. According to Dr. James Coffey, MD, FRCPC, a dermatologist from Grand Falls-Windsor, "Skin cancer is preventable and curable when we find it early. It's noteworthy though that Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have the highest death rates for melanoma in men in Canada. People need to think of using sunscreen all the time to help prevent skin cancer."

Sunscreen also acts as a moisturizer in the winter, slowing down the early signs of aging. Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin. It can look like sun spots, loss of skin tone, deep wrinkles and sagging skin. It is caused by repeated unprotected exposure to the sun's UV radiation. These UV rays affect unprotected skin year-round including travelers and winter sports enthusiasts. Ultraviolet levels increase by 10 percent to 12 percent with every 1,000 meters of increase in altitude — meaning that skiers and snowboarders are at higher risk for skin damage. In addition, fresh white snow reflects up to 85 percent of UV radiation.

The key is knowing what to look for at any time, which is why the CDA and local dermatologists host free, public skin cancer screenings across Canada throughout the year. The screenings provide information on the importance of sun safety and how to do regular skin-checks as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Event information:
Public skin cancer screening
Exploits Valley Mall
Today, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association

Laura Craig, Communications Coordinator
Cell: 613-716-2098  | [email protected]