Addressing Nova Scotia's High Rates of Skin Cancer

An estimated 2,500 Nova Scotians are expected to be diagnosed with non-melanoma or melanoma skin cancer in 2005. Twenty-three hundred of these cases will involve common skin cancers that are preventable.

"As we recognize Sun Awareness Week (May 30 - June 5), and look forward to enjoying the summer weather ahead, it is important that people are aware of the sun's powerful rays and know how to protect themselves," said Dr. Richard Langley, a member of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's skin cancer site team.

Nova Scotia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the country. With this in mind, Cancer Care Nova Scotia identified partners to develop an evidence-based sun safety plan to help Nova Scotians adopt healthy sun-safe behaviours.

"An effective sun safety plan must be comprehensive," said Dr. Langley, who chairs the provincial sun safety committee. "We can learn a lot from our colleagues in tobacco control. A prevention strategy is most effective when it is evidence-based, collaboratively developed and includes public education and marketing strategies."

Dr. Langley said the multi-pronged approach includes warning people of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun, instituting policies to prevent harm from occurring, and making tanning a less acceptable behaviour.

Among the suggested actions for sun protection are: reducing sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (especially around midday), wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with an SPF of 15 or greater when outdoors and avoiding use of tanning beds.

In March 2005, the World Health Organization also devoted attention to the increased risk of skin cancer as a result of tanning bed use. The organization recommended that the use of sun tanning beds be restricted to those over the age of 18. The provincial sun safety committee will address the need for regulations in Nova Scotia.

The committee is focusing its initial efforts on helping children, youth and their caregivers adopt sun-safe behaviours. Members are working with schools, day cares and recreation programs to help them provide a sun-safe environment for children and youth.

Efforts will also focus on the early detection of skin cancer by educating health professionals about skin abnormalities so they can suggest follow-ups with a doctor if they notice anything suspicious.

"When you consider that an estimated 90 per cent of all skin cancers could be prevented, increasing Nova Scotians' awareness of the actions they can take to reduce their skin cancer risk is critical," said Maureen Summers, executive director, Canadian Cancer Society-Nova Scotia Division. "Early detection of skin cancer is equally important."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia initiated the provincial sun safety committee in spring 2004. The committee, chaired by Dr. Langley, and supported by Judy Purcell, prevention co-ordinator, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, includes members from the Nova Scotia Department of Health, population health and health promotion division; Nova Scotia Pharmacy Association; Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources; the Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre; Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division, and other groups committed to reducing the incidence of skin cancer in Nova Scotia.

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.