Sun Safety

Sun Protection Tips

1. Carry your sunscreen and lip screen with you, so you can reapply them every 2 hours.
2. Be aware that certain medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Talk to your health care provider about any medications you are taking.
3. “Spot Check” your moles once a month. Know the A, B, C, D and E of skin cancer and see your health care provider right away if you notice any skin changes. To learn more about what to look for to detect skin cancer early you can go check out the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation “Did you Know? Examining your skin on a regular basis can help prevent skin cancer.”
4. Seek the shade.
5. Keep babies out of the sun. Sunscreen should not be used on babies less than 6 months.

Protection from the sun is required not only during the summer, but is also important year round.

Preventing Skin Cancer

The most common form of cancer is skin cancer. Skin cancer is preventable and most often treatable. Exposure to UV rays on the skin from the sun or from tanning beds is the most common cause. Learn how to enjoy the sun and avoid skin cancer.

Using a little sun sense when you are outside for play or work will help protect you from skin cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society has the following tips for you to protect yourself from UV rays.

• Being Safe in the Sun
• Sun Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Workers
• Sun Safety for Children
• Sun Safety for Outdoor Sports and Recreation
• Facts About Sunscreen

Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers often work when the sun rays are the strongest and work on surfaces that reflect the sun’s harmful rays. Climate Change has added to this risk with more often and prolonged heat events. As an outdoor worker, it is important that you adjust to our changing climate and protect yourself from heat and the sun’s damaging UV rays. See the following fact sheets for more information:

• Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures
• Environment Canada’s UV Index
• Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
• Facts About Sunscreen

Screen and Early Detection

Learn to recognize the signs of skin cancer and get treatment early.

• Learn about early detection from the Canadian Cancer Society
• Sun Safety – Spotting Skin Cancer Video

Indoor Tanning Causes Cancer

Indoors or outdoors, there’s no safe way to get a tan. Tanning beds and sun lamps release UV rays that start the tanning process in the skin – just like the sun. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and when the tan fades, the damage is still there. Ontario has banned the use of tanning beds by youth under the age of 18. This act came into place May 1, 2014.

• Learn More About Indoor Tanning
• The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) 2013

Talking to Teens about Tanning and Sun Protection

A tan may be viewed by many teens as more attractive, but this look exposes them to dangerous Ultraviolet (UV) rays and the increased risk of skin cancer.

• Inform your teen on proper sun protection. Emphasize the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Be a role model. Make sure you are setting an example of healthy outdoor behaviour by seeking shade, and by wearing sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat.
• Start the talk early. Include tanning in conversations about body image and healthy active bodies.
• Tell them the facts. Melanoma is increasing among young people, especially females 15–29 years old.
• If your teen is insistent on the tanned look then a self-tanning product is a less hazardous alternative. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of these products to help your teen decide.