Why this is an issue

Exposure to the sun and other sources of UVR without sufficient protection is known to cause harm to the skin and eyes.^1–3 The first and second National Sun Surveys showed that between 1996 and 2006, Canadians generally increased their time in the sun without improving protective behaviours.⁴ At the same time, the incidence rates of melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer, have been increasing in Canada and are projected to continue to rise. If current trends continue, there is expected to be a 72% increase in the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed between the periods of 2003 to 2007 and 2028 to 2032.⁵

In addition to an increased risk of developing subsequent skin cancers, people with previous cases of skin cancer also risk developing a second primary cancer following a primary skin cancer. These include malignancies of the lung, colorectum, breast, liver, leukemias, and lymphomas.⁶ Both male and female rates of melanoma increase after about age 35 with higher rates in males after age 40.

It is estimated that around 90% of all skin cancers are associated with solar and artificial ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure - a modifiable and preventable risk factor.

Myths & Facts

Myth #1

Skin cancer isn’t a big issue.

Fact

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Alberta. Approximately 1 in 7 Albertans will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime.

Even if treated quickly, skin cancer requires surgery and leaves permanent scarring. The average melanoma patient loses 28 days of work per diagnosis.⁷

Myth #2

A tan is nature’s way of making the skin more resistant to UVR exposure.

Fact

A tan is only equivalent to a sunscreen with an SPF 2 - 4, which is not sufficient to provide adequate protection from sunburn or skin cancer.^8,9

A broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher is recommended by dermatologists for adequate protection from the potentially harmful effects of UVR.

Myth #3

You don’t need to wear sunscreen or pay attention to the UV index on cloudy days.

Fact

The UV index can still be high on cloudy or partly cloudy days. Clouds only block 20% of the sun’s UVR even though they block the visible light.¹⁰

You should use a combination of sun protection measures.

Myth #4

The temperature is a good way to tell what the UV index is.

Fact

The UV index reflects solar UVR intensity, which is not related to temperature.

Factors like latitude, altitude, air pollutants, cloud, reflective surfaces, time of year and time of day determine UV levels.

Myth #5

You should apply and re-apply sunscreen and insect repellant together.

Fact

False. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours (or more often if you've been in the water or sweating) while insect repellent may last for several hours.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you apply sunscreen first before applying insect repellent.¹¹

« back next »

Protect your skin, protect your eyes.

From barbeques and ballgames to patio lunches and picking up the dry cleaning, sun exposure isn’t just something you need to think about on vacation. Protecting yourself and your family from UVR means protecting both your skin and eyes using a variety of sun avoidance and protective methods whenever you will be spending time in the sun – be it summer or winter, at home or away.

Recommendations

Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities for before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. between April and September when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Use sources of vitamin D that are safer than UVR exposure, e.g., dietary sources, including fortified foods, and vitamin D supplements. Intentional UVR exposure to meet vitamin D requirements is not recommended.

When you’re checking the daily weather forecast, make sure you also take notice of the UV index – issued daily by Environment Canada. Knowing the UVR maximum for the day will help you plan how much sun protection is required. The higher the UV rating, the more careful you have to be when outside in the sun.

Shade – when combined with effective sunscreen and clothing choices – provides important protection from the sun especially when the sun’s rays are most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., depending on the time of year and location, and when the UV index is 3 or greater. On their own, hats, clothing and sunscreen are not 100% effective at preventing UVR exposure. You can also take time for periodic “shade breaks” when enjoying yourself outdoors.

Look for the following:

Permanent structures (inside or buildings that cast a broad shadow)
Temporary structures (large sun umbrellas or tents)
Trees with wide spreading branches and thick leaves

Good-quality shade includes dense vegetation and covered structures that offer shade from the side, and not just overhead, to protect against scattered UVR. ^12-14 As a general guide, wider and denser sources of shade provide increased SPF.¹³ Cloth sources of shade, such as canopies and umbrellas, should have tightly woven fabric, and additional protection (clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen) is recommended under shade to protect against scattered UVR, especially on high UV Index days.¹⁴

Sunscreen should be used on exposed skin not covered by clothing or accessories. Consider using sunscreen for the lips (e.g., sunscreen lip balm), as well.

Use a generous amount of sunscreen ¹⁵ (e.g., the average adult requires approximately two to three tablespoons of lotion-formulated sunscreen to cover the whole body, and a teaspoon to cover the face and neck).
Reapply after swimming, strenuous exercise or toweling off.¹⁶
Use sunscreen that says on the label:
- "Broad spectrum"
- "SPF 30" or higher
- "Water resistant"
Sunscreen comes in a variety of formulations. Find one that suits you best and apply it properly with thorough coverage. Sunscreen formulations that you find easier to apply thoroughly will be more effective.

For the best protection, sunglasses should fit closely and wrap around the face. Sunglasses should reflect or filter out 99 to 100% of UVR light. Many healthcare benefits cover the cost of prescription eyewear, including prescription sunglasses.

The best UV protection is offered by close-fitting wraparound sunglasses.¹⁷
Look for sunglasses or prescription lenses with full UVA and UVB protection. Examples of appropriate labels are "UV400" or "100% UV protection.”
Note that contact lenses, even those with UV protection, do not provide full coverage for the eye and the skin around the eye.

A range of clothing choices should be a component of comprehensive sun safety to ensure the best possible protection against harmful UVR.

Hats should shade the head, face, ears and back of the neck with a wide brim.¹⁸
In general, clothing provides better protection than sunscreen.^19,20
Tightly woven or UV-protective labelled clothing is recommended.^21,22

UVR Exposure

Overexposure to UVR is the most important cause of the three main forms of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.¹

In addition to skin cancer, overexposure to UVR can also cause premature skin aging, eye damage, and a weakened immune system.

Skin Types

The pigmentation characteristics of your skin play a huge role in determining your risk of skin cancer. The fairer your skin is, the higher the risk.²³ So it's important that you know what your skin type is and understand the risks.

NEVI (BENIGN MOLES OR FRECKLES)

Nevi are benign melanocytic tumours, also known as moles. They are strongly associated with risk for melanoma. The greater the number of nevi on a person's skin, the greater the risk of melanoma. An individual who has more than 100 common nevi or more than two atypical nevi has a five- to twenty-fold increased risk of melanoma.²⁴

Black, very dark brown to black

Never burns, tans very easily, deeply pigmented

Brown, dark brown

Very rarely burns, tans very easily

Olive, moderate brown

Rarely burns, tans with ease to a moderate brown

Medium, white to olive

Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans to olive

White, fair

Usually burns, tans with difficulty

Light, pale white

Always burns, never tans

Family History

A family history of melanoma, or having a first degree relative (like a parent or sibling) with melanoma, is associated with a two to four times increase in risk of melanoma.^25-27Familial melanoma accounts for 5% to 10% of cases and is often diagnosed at a younger age.

Related Information

Related Cancers

Melanoma

Sun Safety

Taking measures to protect you and your family from the sun year-round will help to prevent the dangerous long-term effects of UVR exposure, such as skin cancer, as well as the short-term effects, such as a sunburn.

Why this is an issue

Myths & Facts

Myth #1

Fact

Myth #2

Fact

Myth #3

Fact

Myth #4

Fact

Myth #5

Fact

Protect your skin, protect your eyes.

UVR Exposure

Skin Types

NEVI (BENIGN MOLES OR FRECKLES)

Black, very dark brown to black

Brown, dark brown

Olive, moderate brown

Medium, white to olive

White, fair

Light, pale white

Family History

Related Information

Related Cancers

Related Links

View References

We want your feedback