Features
The Canadian Dermatology Association (www.dermatology.ca) is concerned about sun protection and the high risk of skin cancer among those who spend a lot of time outdoors, either working or engaged in outdoor recreation. To raise awareness about this type of cancer, the CDA is spreading the word about the risks of sun exposure and how to reduce them. Spending all their time on a giant reflecting surface—water—kayakers are at an elevated risk. So listen up!
FAQs – The sun, your skin and skin cancer
How does the sun cause skin cancer?
The sun’s ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and harms the DNA within skin cells and other parts of the skin. In the short term, sunburns and suntans result from sun exposure. Both are signs of skin damage. However, repeated exposure over the years may result in sun-induced skin changes such as wrinkles, mottling of skin colour and skin cancer.
Why do I need to wear a hat in the sun?
Two of the three most common skin cancers appear on the face, head and neck. Almost all of these tumours are caused by sun exposure over a long period of time. Protect these areas, including the ears, by wearing a broad-brimmed (more than 3 inches) or legionnaire-style hat with a back flap.
During which months do I need to take sun safety precautions?
The sun’s radiation is strongest during the summer months. However, you should protect yourself from early spring right through to the fall. People often get sunburns in late April and May because the weather is cool and they don’t think the sun is strong enough to burn if they can’t feel its heat.
At what times should I use sun safety precautions?
Between 11 am and 4 pm. The sun’s radiation is strongest from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Sun facts and myths
Myth: I don’t need to protect myself from the sun on a cloudy day in spring or summer
Fact: Yes, you need sun protection because up to 90% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation passes through light cloud cover.
Myth: A suntan is healthy
Fact: When exposed to the sun’s UV radiation, the skin tries to protect itself by producing a brown pigment called melanin (seen as a tan). Melanin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation so the skin produces more of it to try to decrease the effect of further UV radiation. A tan is a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun.
Myth: A tan protects my skin from the sun.
Fact: A tan does not really provide much protection from the sun and is equal to a sun protection factor (SPF or protection against sunburn)) of between 2 and 4.
Myth: We need lots of sun for vitamin D.
Fact: Vitamin D is obtained through skin exposure to the sun, and also through diet (particularly fortified foods) and vitamin supplements. To minimize the risk of skin cancer but maximize Vitamin D levels, supplements and vitamins are the best way to obtain sufficient vitamin D. Some people are recommending a small amount of sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D—just a few minutes a day.
Myth: Dark skinned people don’t get skin cancer.
Fact: It’s true that lighter-skinned people are at greater risk for skin cancer. People with fair hair (blonde or red) and light-coloured eyes (blue or green) are more prone to develop skin cancer than dark-skinned people. Although people with darker skin colour are more protected from sun damage, black people can develop skin cancer.
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