Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.  Approximately 1 in 7 Canadians will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

However, skin cancer can be prevented!

It is important for all of us to avoid exposure to UV radiation.  This means protecting yourself from the sun and not using tanning beds.

The Truth About Tanning Beds    

Sun Safety Basics

• Stay out of the sun from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Harmful UV radiation is strongest during these hours.  UV radiation is the prime cause of sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer.
• Stay tuned to the daily UV index.  A reading of 3 or more means extra sun protection is required.  UV rays can penetrate clouds and be reflected off of cement, sand and snow.  Find out today's UV index for the City of Thunder Bay.
• Seek shade or create your own.  Shade can be either permanent or temporary.  Find it under a tree, gazebo or awning, beside a building or by using an umbrella.
• Slop on a generous amount of sunscreen.  Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more that protects against UVA and UVB.  Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.  Do not use sunscreen on babies less than six months old.  Pay special attention to the ears, nose and neck, since these are the areas where skin cancers often occur.
• Slide on some lip balm that is SPF 15 or greater.  Skin cancer can also appear on the lips.  Don't forget to reapply!
• Slip on a shirt with long sleeves and long pants made of tightly woven fabric.
• Slap on a hat.  Choose one with a wide brim around all sides. While baseball caps are popular, they offer little protection to the face, neck and ears.
• Sport sunglasses to protect the eye area from irritation and tissue damage caused by UV radiation.  Choose a pair that wraps around the eyes and offers 100% UV protection.

• During hot summer months, consider the dangers of heat.

Additional Tips for Parents

Children are more vulnerable to hazards in the environment.  Learn more.

• Keep children under 1 year of age out of direct sunlight.
• Do not use sunscreen on babies under 6 months of age (a baby is likely to absorb more of the product through its skin than an older child would).
• Dress your child in a wide brimmed hat and light-weight, light-coloured tightly woven fabric. 
• Have your child wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.
• Provide more shade in the form of trees or shade structures. Children's play areas should be in a shady spot.
• Pay attention to often forgotten areas like the backs of knees, ears and tops of feet when applying sunscreen.  Apply sunscreen a least 20 minutes before going outside.
• Be careful around the eyes when applying sunscreen.  Do not apply to eyelids. 
• Protect your child year round. Children can get sunburn even on a cloudy day. Up to 80% of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog. Fifty percent of the sun's harmful UVB radiations bounce back from sand, snow and concrete.
• Protect children from the possible dangerous effects of summer heat.

Helpful Links:

Health Canada's Sun Safety Information

Canadian Dermatology Association

Canadian Cancer Society

Environment Canada's UV Index Program