SunSense Preventing skin cancer

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When we talk about SunSense, we’re talking about ways to protect you and your family from UV rays by using sunscreen, clothing and shade.

Fun in the sun – know the risks While outdoor activities are part of a healthy lifestyle, there is a danger you can’t see – ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are part of the spectrum of light that comes from the sun. Most of the dangerous radiation from the sun is blocked by ozone in the upper atmosphere, but small amounts of radiation still come through. Natural sunlight is important to good health. But too much exposure to UV rays increases the risk of sunburns, skin cancer and cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye). Myth: Sun damage is temporary. Skin repairs itself. While a sunburn or suntan eventually goes away, the underlying damage stays. Sun damage builds up with each exposure to the sun. It can take 10 to 30 years for cancer to develop from repeated sun exposure.

Photographs: © Getty Images Licensed material is for illustrative purposes only; persons depicted are models.

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Sun and skin cancer Most skin cancers start in areas of the skin that are exposed most often to the sun – the head, face, neck, hands, arms and legs. You are at greater risk of developing skin cancer if you: • • • • • •

have fair skin that tends to burn have a lot of moles or freckles had sunburns when you were a child work outside have a family history of skin cancer use indoor tanning equiment

If you have naturally dark skin, you may be less sensitive to the sun, but you are not safe from its harmful effects. Everyone needs to protect their skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

UV Index – your guide to sun safety The UV Index was designed to help people know how strong UV rays are each day. The index categories range from 0–2 (low risk) to 11 or more (extreme risk). The sun’s rays are strongest in the middle of the day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You need to protect your skin during these times, or whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher. E N V I R O N M E N T C A N A D A’ S U V I N D E X UV INDEX

DESCRIPTION

0–2

Low

3–5

Moderate

6–7

High

8–10

Very high

11+

Extreme

Source: Environment Canada May 2004

Many people believe that a tan makes them look healthy. But even a light tan is a sign that the skin has been exposed to too much sun and has been damaged.

Check your skin regularly See your doctor right away if you notice:

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changes in the shape, colour or size of birthmarks or moles

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sores that don’t heal

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patches of skin that bleed, itch or become red and bumpy

SunSense Preventing skin cancer

Myth: I don’t need to protect my skin on foggy or cloudy days or in the winter. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays travel through light clouds, mist and fog. In winter, more than half of the sun’s rays are reflected off snow, increasing UV levels. The problem is worse at higher elevations. Don’t forget to protect your skin even in winter. © Canadian Cancer Society 2007

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Protect yourself and your family from the sun No one wants to stay indoors when the sun is out. But while you’re outdoors, a little SunSense can protect you and your family. Take precautions between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest or any time of day when the UV Index is 3 or higher. •

Check the UV Index before you go out.

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Cover your arms and legs. Choose clothing that is loose-fitting, tightly woven and lightweight.

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Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, neck and ears.

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Stay in the shade – under trees, an awning or an umbrella.

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Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on exposed parts of your body. Apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget your ears and neck.

Myth: Sunscreen gives complete protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher offers partial protection from sun damage. The best protection comes from shade or wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs. But if you’re going to be active in the sun, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen. 4

SunSense Preventing skin cancer

Protecting children Children tend to spend more time outside than adults, and this puts them at greater risk of overexposure. Children with fair skin and freckles are especially at risk. Babies’ skin also has less natural protection against the sun’s rays, meaning skin damage – such as sunburn – can happen more quickly than in adults. Whatever their age and whether or not they tan easily, children need to be protected from overexposure to the sun. Teach your children SunSense while they are young – this creates healthy habits for life. Here are some tips to protect your babies and kids: •

Always keep infants out of direct sunlight. Put strollers and playpens in the shade.

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Use stroller hoods or breathable fabric to cover infants in strollers when walking on sunny days.

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Try to keep your kids out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher.

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Have kids wear clothing that covers their arms and legs. Wide-brimmed hats provide more protection than baseball caps.

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Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher on your kids’ exposed skin. Reapply often and don’t forget their nose, ears, cheeks and the tops of their feet.

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Use a waterproof sunscreen on kids playing in or near water, and reapply often.

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Have your kids wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect their eyes. © Canadian Cancer Society 2007

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Making shade Getting too much sun can happen when you least expect it. You could be gardening, watching your kids playing sports or just sitting on a park bench. During the summer months, try to stay out of direct sunlight and move to the shade. Even if you’re under a tree or if there’s scattered cloud cover, you can still be exposed to UV rays. •

Use an umbrella when you’re at the beach, on picnics or going for a walk.

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Set up large tents or canopies for outdoor events.

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Use a privacy screen to block the sun from balconies.

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Plant shade trees around the house. Maples, willow, elm, oak and cherry are good shade trees.

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Add an awning over the porch on your house or put a gazebo in the backyard.

Vitamin D Vitamin D is needed for good bone and muscle health, especially in children and in the elderly. It may also reduce the risk of some cancers. Vitamin D is produced in the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. The amount of sun exposure needed to produce enough vitamin D depends on your age, diet, skin colour, where you live and the intensity of the sun. For some people, a little

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SunSense Preventing skin cancer

sunshine goes a long way. A few minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure is usually all that is needed for some people to get enough vitamin D and not increase the risk of skin cancer. The trick is to protect yourself from overexposure to the sun and get enough vitamin D for good health. You may not be getting enough vitamin D if you: are over 50 • have dark skin • wear clothing that covers most of your skin • don’t go outside very much •

Babies who are exclusively breast-fed may also be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is why experts recommend they get a vitamin D supplement. If you think you or your family might not be getting enough vitamin D, or you are over 50, talk to your doctor about vitamin supplements. You don’t need to visit a tanning salon to get vitamin D. In the fall and winter when the sun’s rays are weak, a supplement is a much safer and cheaper way to get the vitamin D you need. You can also get vitamin D from both fortified foods (for example, milk or margarine) and non-fortified foods (for example, eggs or fatty fish).

© Canadian Cancer Society 2007

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Indoor tanning Overexposure to UV radiation, either from the sun’s rays or from tanning beds and sunlamps, is linked to skin cancer. Some tanning beds can expose you to 5 times as much UV radiation as the sun, so using indoor tanning beds and sunlamps should be avoided. Myth: Going to a tanning salon is a great way to protect my skin before going on holiday to the sunny south. Wrong! Tanning beds and sun lamps use UV radiation to trigger the tanning process in the skin. Artificial UV radiation can cause skin damage, such as sunburns, skin cancer, premature aging and cataracts.

Enjoy the sun safely. Use SunSense to protect your skin while you enjoy outdoor activities.

Find out more If you want to know more about sun and skin cancer:

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Talk to an information specialist toll-free at 1 888 939-3333 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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E-mail us at [email protected].

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Visit our website at www.cancer.ca.

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Contact your local Canadian Cancer Society office.

SunSense Preventing skin cancer

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funds excellent research for all types of cancer

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This is general information developed by the Canadian Cancer Society. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. The material in this publication may be copied or reproduced without permission; however, the following citation must be used: SunSense: Preventing skin cancer. Canadian Cancer Society 2007. © Canadian Cancer Society 2007 | Revised February 2010 | Printed February 2010 | 211-939