Canadians are increasingly opting for less coverage and spending more time in the sun, despite the fact that UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in all its forms.
Unfortunately, this comes at a cost.
Skin cancer ranks as the most prevalent cancer in Canada, with the rate of the most aggressive variant, melanoma, rising by 2% annually. While survival rates offer some reassurance, mortality rates continue to climb.
This trend must be reversed. Begin implementing these strategies, and use them collectively. Relying solely on sunscreen may not significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer, and not all garments provide full protection. Discover what sun safety measures work best for you. Minimize sunburn and limit prolonged exposure to UV rays, but avoid completely shunning the sun.
Young adults aged 16 to 24
are the group least likely to take protective measures, and parents might not be adequately shielding their children either. Most Canadians aged 1 to 12 spend at least half an hour outdoors on summer days, yet only those aged 5 and under consistently receive sun protection. Given that a severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence can more than double the risk of melanoma, we should heed the findings of one study: “Regular sun protection among Canadian children is low, given their sun exposure.”
The key action: Carry extra hats and sunscreen to ensure children, teens, and young adults are well-protected.
Even just 5 to 15 minutes of midday sun exposure several times a week can suffice for some individuals to generate vitamin D naturally, but it’s important to remember that no amount of UV exposure is completely safe. It’s a difficult balance: while our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to the same rays that can harm our skin, we can largely fulfill our vitamin D needs through dietary sources and supplements—something Canadians should be doing for most of the year.
The suggestion: Consult with your healthcare provider to assess your need for vitamin D testing and to determine the appropriate level of sun exposure based on your skin type and medical history.
SPF30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of sunburn-inducing rays. Many are unaware that higher SPF numbers do not significantly improve protection against UVB radiation. The SPF ratings, which indicate the sunscreen’s capacity to block UVB rays, can be misleading. The Environmental Working Group cautions that extremely high SPFs may give users a false sense of security, leading them to believe they can stay in the sun longer and increase their overall UV exposure.
The recommended action: Generously apply broad-spectrum (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) SPF30 sunscreen and steer clear of higher SPF products.
There are two primary categories of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Physical sunscreens, which contain zinc and titanium, do not penetrate the skin and effectively block UV rays.
The action: For an in-depth guide on sunscreens, visit the Environmental Working Group’s annual sunscreen guide at ewg.org/consumer-guides.
Concentrations of 0.1 to 1% of a particular type of vitamin A known as retinol in sunscreen can heighten sun sensitivity, as noted by Health Canada. Their preliminary sunscreen regulations indicate that products with such ingredients should carry the warning: “Please limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.” Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group suggests that vitamin A on sun-exposed skin might accelerate skin cancer development. While many cancer organizations contest this, it is advisable to avoid this ingredient in sunscreens.
The action: Check sunscreen labels and avoid items containing retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, or retinol.
The face is the #1 area where non-melanoma skin cancer occurs. Recent studies show the ears to be the third most common location for various types of skin cancer. Men appear to be more susceptible to skin cancer on the ears, possibly due to shorter hairstyles leaving them more exposed.
The action: Take special care to protect the face and ears with sunscreen, ensuring you cover every contour and wearing a hat.
The “hole effect” is an issue that can affect clothing. When garments are wet, worn, or tight, the spaces between threads become larger, reducing their protective capacity against the sun. This includes many clothing items rated for ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Therefore, even if you have the right attire—long pants and shirts, along with a wide-brimmed hat—be mindful of possible reductions in protection. Avoid clothes treated with chemical sunscreens if you choose UPF-rated options.
The action: Contrary to stereotypical beach apparel images of people wearing all white, opt for brightly colored or darker clothing made from tightly woven, shiny fabrics, rather than matte ones.
