Now that it’s officially summer, it’s time for Richmondites to start becoming more aware of sun safety and how to protect ourselves against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer.
The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) kicked off their annual nationwide sun awareness campaign earlier this month by warning the public, especially men, against sun complacency.
Research has shown that there is an alarming lack of awareness amongst Canadians concerning sun safety and protection.
According to a survey that CDA has conducted on the opinions and attitudes of Canadian men and women toward sun exposure and sun protection, only 55 per cent of men are concerned about the risks of increased sun exposure and its link to skin cancer.
“The good news is that overall, the vast majority of Canadians recognize that it is essential to protect your skin from the sun,” said Dr. Jennifer Beecker, national chair of the CDA Sun Awareness Working Group.
“The bad news is only a little more than half the male respondents recognized that increased sun exposure increases the risk of cancer.”
Although men seem less concerned with dangers of sun exposure, they are at greater risk for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
The survey also showed that a quarter of Canadians believe the dangers of UV radiations are exaggerated and that only a quarter agree that sunscreen is safe to use.
“The skepticism over the safety of sunscreen worries Canada’s certified dermatologists,” added Beecker.
The percentage of Canadians who say they use sunscreen all year-round has risen to 26 per cent, but there is significant room for improvement in areas of awareness on sun safety.
The CDA reminds Canadians that sunscreen is completely safe to use and an effective form of sun protection. They also debunked the wide-spread belief that sun exposure without sunscreen is required for vitamin D intake.
The weather forecast for the weekend in Richmond remains sunny with temperatures in the 20s. In preparation for the summer heat, make sure to layer up on sunscreen products with an SPF of 30 or higher!
