May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and we wanted to
use this opportunity to open up the conversation of
prevention with you. Over the last 30 years, the
amount of people getting skin cancer has been
increasing in Canada, with a third of new cancer
cases being related to skin cancer. The clinical
statistics point to skin cancer as the most common
type of cancer, so we believe it is important to
raise awareness of this largely preventable
condition. At Vancouver Laser, we advocate for
prevention over correction. Read further to learn
about the simple ways you take care of your skin and
protect it from skin cancer.
Protect Yourself from UV
Rays
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ultraviolet is a form of
invisible radiation that can be produced by the sun
and tanning beds. You can protect yourself from the
harmful effects of the UV rays by taking the
following precautions:
Seek Shade During Peak Sunlight
Hours
The sun rays are strongest in the northern
hemisphere between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. During peak
hours, it is best to seek shade and stay out of the
sun. A good way to know if you need to find
shelter is by looking at your shadow. If your shadow
is shorter than you, the sun is very strong. Do not
underestimate the power of protecting yourself
against peak hours.
Wear Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days, there is a high risk of UV
ray damage. You should always be wearing sunscreen of
at least SPF 30 and aim to reapply it every 2 hours.
Look for sunscreens which are “broad spectrum” – they
will effectively protect you against both UVA and UVB
rays. We carry a
trusted selection of sunscreens that offer
effective sun protection for even the most sensitive
skin.
Cover Up with Clothes, Sunglasses,
and Hats
This is especially important during the peak
hours mentioned earlier. Covering up is one of the
most effective ways to protect your skin from the
harmful UV rays. Sunglasses are essential for
protecting the thin and sensitive skin around your
eyes. It is also important to cover your shoulders as
they are the most exposed part of the body. Last but
certainly not least, consider wearing a hat to
protect your scalp and prevent overheating.
Check Your Skin Regularly
Early detection and treatment are key for being
able to cure skin cancer and prevent it from becoming
a life-threatening health concern. You know your body
and your skin best, so it is important to regularly
check for any changes. Pay special attention to
monitoring new spots on your skin, unusual-looking
spots, and any changes in spots that have been there
for a while. If you notice anything abnormal, we
encourage you to talk to your doctor as soon as
possible. It might be nothing but it might also be
your chance to remove a tiny spot of skin cancer
before it has the opportunity to expand.
Choose Healthy Lifestyle
Choices
Sun protection is important and should be
treated as an essential step in your healthy
lifestyle. Using sunscreen, going for regular
checkups, exercising regularly and maintaining a
balanced diet are all important steps you can take to
stay healthy. We hope that you use these tools to
decrease your risk of getting skin cancer. Awareness
is the first step in prevention. We hope that you
pass on the knowledge here to your friends and family
so that they can also take part in the fight against
skin cancer through prevention. Remember, healthy
skin starts with small daily steps!