This Summer, enjoy the sun safely.
About 90 per cent of skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which means that the majority of skin cancers are largely preventable.
Strive to incorporate these five simple sun safety tips in your daily routine this summer—and all year long!
This Summer, enjoy the sun safely.
About 90 per cent of skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which means that the majority of skin cancers are largely preventable.
Strive to incorporate these five simple sun safety tips in your daily routine this summer—and all year long!
- The UV index indicates the level of UV radiation and the potential danger of sun exposure.
Find out what the UV level for the day is in your area by using the Weather app or by visiting The Weather Network. When the UV Index is 3 or higher, protect your eyes and skin as much as possible.
- If you need to be outside, get in the shade when you can, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV is strongest.
Seek shade under trees and buildings, or create your own shade with an umbrella.
- The best protection is a physical barrier between you and the sun.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your nose, ears and neck. Arms and legs can be protected with loose-fitting and long-sleeved shirts, pants and long skirts.
- Look for fabrics that have a tight weave and dark or bright colour like red.
These colours absorb more UV than lighter toned fabrics, allowing less sunlight to pass through to your skin.
- Long hours in the sun without eye protection can increase your risk for cataracts, loss of vision and eye cancer.
For maximum protection, look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglasses are even better because they protect your eyes from all angles.
- Look for “broad-spectrum” and a minimum of SPF 30 on the label.
Use a shot glass sized amount for head-to-toe protection. Remember to re-apply every two hours and use waterproof sunscreen if planning to swim. And don’t forget about those often-overlooked spots, like your neck, ears and lips!
Up to 80% of a person’s lifetime UV exposure happens before the age of 18.
Since children spend more time outdoors than adults, they require extra protection. Too much exposure sets the stage for high rates of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and eye damage later in life.
Farmers, gardeners, construction workers and other professions that spend a lot of time outdoors have a 2.5 to 3.5 times greater risk of developing skin cancer compared to indoor workers.
Working or taking breaks in the shade—when combined with sunscreen and long sleeved clothing—provides important protection from the sun.
Up to 80% of a person’s lifetime UV exposure happens before the age of 18.
Since children spend more time outdoors than adults, they require extra protection. Too much exposure sets the stage for high rates of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and eye damage later in life.
Farmers, gardeners, construction workers and other professions that spend a lot of time outdoors have a 2.5 to 3.5 times greater risk of developing skin cancer compared to indoor workers.
Working or taking breaks in the shade—when combined with sunscreen and long sleeved clothing—provides important protection from the sun.
Did you
know?
Skin cancer can affect anyone.
While people with lighter skin are more likely to develop melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, people with darker skin are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a later stage, when it can be harder to treat.
LeaRN More
- Watch this short video to learn more how about how to prevent and detect skin cancer.
- Hear directly from our experts as they bust some myths about sunscreen, tanning, vitamin D and more.