National Sun Awareness Week June 6 - 12, 2011 Jun:11

During National Sun Awareness Week, June 6 - 12, 2011, dermatologists will volunteer at free public skin cancer screenings and other events. The focus this year is on Family sun safety. 

Skin Cancer Screening Event

Vancouverites are invited to have a skin cancer screening and participate in various sun safety activities such as a kids’ poster contest at The Aquatic Centre on Beach Avenue downtown on Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Hosted by the Canadian Dermatology Association, the event aims to get people thinking about sun safety, particularly for children. “Good sun protection habits in childhood can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer later on in life,” says local dermatologist and CDA spokesperson, Dr. Jason Rivers.

People worried about spots or moles on their skin are encouraged to come for a free skin cancer screening. There is limited screening space availability.

2011 Skin Cancer Stats and Facts

Below are a few facts recently released by the Canadian Dermatology Association:

• The main cause of skin cancer is too much UV radiation.

• Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in Canada with 74,000 new cases expected this year.

• While less common, melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer since it can spread in the body and cause death.

• Skin cancer is one of a small number of cancers that is highly preventable through simple measures such as limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, wearing hats and clothing, and using an SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum sunscreen.

• The lifetime risk of skin cancer for Canadians born in the 1990’s is 1 in 6. For those born in the 1960’s, it is 1 in 20 (Trends of nonmelanoma skin cancer from 1960 through 2000 in a Canadian population, JAAD, August 2005, Vol 53).

For more information, please visit www.dermatology.ca.