June 6 – 12 is Sun Awareness Week: Protect the skin you’re in!

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds plays a leading role in the development of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Skin Cancer Facts:

• Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in 2,500 Ontarians this year.


• The number of cases of melanoma is increasing. In Canada, the lifetime risk of melanoma for men is now 1 in 74. For women, it is 1 in 90. In comparison, the lifetime risk of melanoma in the 1930s was 1 in 1,500.


• Over 74,000 Canadians will also be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer this year.

Sun Sense:

1. Schedule outdoor activities before 11 am or after 4 pm and use maximum sun protection if outside between noon and 2 pm.


2. Plan ahead. Find out the UV Index rating forecast and use it to guide your activities and protection.


3. Wear loose, lightweight clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, whenever possible.


4. Wear a hat with a 7.5 cm (3 inch) or wider brim and be sure it also covers the back of your neck.


5. Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, and use a water resistant, sweat resistant or sport sunscreen if you are involved in activities in water or will perspire a lot during the activity. Reapply it often.

Protect the skin you’re in … be fit and be sun safe!