Skin Cancer Incidence Increases in Canada

The number of new skin cancer cases in Canada is expected to be 30 per cent higher in Canada this year than it was just 10 years ago.

More than 76,000 new cases of common skin cancers are expected this year in Canada compared to 58,500 new cases for 1994. About 2,300 of these new cases are expected to be diagnosed in Nova Scotians.

The increase is prompting dermatologists to urge Canadians to practice sun safety to combat this largely preventable disease.

The 16th National Sun Awareness Week, organized by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) runs from May 31 to June 6.

In Nova Scotia, Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society -- Nova Scotia Division are partnering with the CDA to help share the importance of sun-safe behaviours. The focus this year is on common skin cancers which, when detected an early stage, are highly curable. Throughout the week, information will focus on the increasing number of cases, early detection and prevention.

Dermatologists in Halifax will mark the week by hosting a sun awareness booth and conducting skin cancer screenings for the public at Halifax Shopping Centre on Friday, May 28.

"One of the reasons we may be seeing an increase in the number of new cases of skin cancer is that many people are not taking sufficient precautions when outdoors," said Dr. Richard Langley, regional director of the Canadian Dermatology Association's National Sun Awareness Program and a member of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Skin Cancer Site Team. "Year after year, this results in excessive sun exposure which can increase the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer."

Dr. Langley said individuals can limit their sun exposure in a number of ways. "I recommend reducing sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- and especially around midday, trying to stay in the shade as much as possible, and using clothing, wide- brimmed hats and sunscreen to protect skin," he said. "People should also use four to five times more sunscreen than they might normally think necessary. Generally speaking, we are not using enough sunscreen to achieve the stated SPF (sun protection factor)."

This year, the association has new information on solar (actinic) keratoses -- very common skin lesions which increase the risk of all skin cancers -- and on squamous cell carcinoma -- a common, aggressive form of the disease. The materials help people become aware of their risk for the disease and know the early signs of skin cancer. For further information, see the website at www.dermatology.ca .