Prevention, Early Detection Key in Fight Against Skin Cancer

CANCER CARE N.S.--Prevention, Early Detection Key in Fight Against Skin Cancer

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a leading and preventable cause of skin cancer. Educating and raising awareness about the importance of protecting one's self against the sun's powerful rays is the premise behind National Sun Awareness Week, June 2-8.

The public awareness campaign, sponsored by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), is held the first week in June each year. Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division, are partnering with the CDA to help share this message with Nova Scotians. This year's theme is melanoma. Messages will emphasize healthy sun-safe behaviours that help prevent the disease. Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. It is curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread.

"We have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the country," said Dr. Richard Langley, chair of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's provincial cancer site team and regional director (Atlantic Region) of the sun awareness program, Canadian Dermatology Association. "In this year alone, about 195 Nova Scotians will be diagnosed with melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. We need to remind people that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Sun tans and sun burns are evidence of skin damage that can, after repeated exposure, lead to skin cancer. We need to spread the word about the benefits of healthy sun-safe behaviours."

The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends the following sun-safe behaviours:

• Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest (note: up to 80 per cent of the sun's rays can penetrate clouds, mist and fog);
• Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection;
• Apply sunscreen with minimum SPF No. 15 with UVA and UVB protection;
• Become familiar with your skin (monthly self-exam of moles and freckles can track any changes in your skin);
• See your doctor if you notice any changes in moles and freckles on your skin. "It is estimated that 90 per cent of skin cancers could be prevented," said Maureen Summers, executive director, Canadian Cancer Society -- Nova Scotia Division. "We urge Nova Scotians to take action to prevent cancer. It is the key to seeing fewer Nova Scotians diagnosed with this disease in the future."

Watching those UV Rays on Hot Summer Days is one of the activities planned for Sun Awareness Week. The event, sponsored by the Atlantic Region Sun Safety Program, Canadian Dermatology Association, Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division, Cancer Care Nova Scotia and ATV's Weather Watchers, is designed to encourage school children to learn more about sun safety by creating and submitting art that reflects how to be sun safe while playing outdoors. ATV's Live at Five is promoting this event through its Weather Watchers' segment. Chosen entries will receive a prize package including items for a fun-filled, sun- safe summer.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families, and the health-care system through prevention, screening, education and research.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers, whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.