Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Melanoma Network of Canada
It is Melanoma Awareness Month!
Just in time for the warm weather, the MNC is reminding Canadians to be sun aware and sun safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Over 81,000 skin cancers were diagnosed in Canada in 2013. More than 6,100 of these diagnoses were melanoma. Sadly, 1,027 died of the disease.
The primary cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds. Young people are especially at risk: melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer for youth between the ages of 15–29.
Be Sun Safe Outdoors
Always practice sun safety habits outdoors including during the winter, on cloudy days or when in water.
- Seek shade between 11:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. whenever possible for the best protection
- Wear sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears
- Wear UVA/UVB wrap around sunglasses
- Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen generously to clean, dry skin, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply at least every two hours when outdoors
How Check Your Skin
It is important to check your skin regularly! Monitor changes in your skin and moles and report them to your doctor. Check your skin in a well lit area and ask someone to assist you in checking your skin in hard to see areas.
- Examine your the front and back of your body in a mirror, then look at your right and left sides, arms raised
- Bend your elbows, and look carefully at your forearms, back of upper arms and palms; check your fingers and under fingernails
- Look at the backs of your legs and feet, spaces between toes, toenails and soles
- Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror; part your hair and lift to carefully check
- Finally, check your abdomen, back and buttocks with a hand mirror
Spread the word about how to prevent and check for melanoma. Early detection and prevention saves lives. Together, we can prevent melanoma!
Visit www.melanomanetwork.ca to learn more!
Media Contact:
Jessica Bowes
Marketing & Communications Manager
905-901-5121 ext 104
jbowes@melanomanetwork.ca
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