skin cancer prevention

• always have sunscreen with you so you can apply it whenever an unplanned outdoor activity arises
• use a sunscreen with an spf of at least 30 whenever you are outdoors (even on grayer days)
• wear protective clothing with long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses
• wear sun safety apparel for added protection
• check for changes in moles, new moles and see your doctor immediately if anything is suspicious
• limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm
• do not use tanning beds

• work in shaded areas when able
• wear full-body coverage clothing, including: full-brimmed hats, long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants made of tightly woven fabric that is lightweight
• wear sun safety apparel for added protection
• wear full-spectrum sunglasses that protect from uva and uvb rays
• apply spf of 30+ at least twenty minutes before going outside
• use lip balm that has a spf of at least 15
• sun protection training and materials should be provided to staff, encouraging them to practice sun safety both on the job and engaging in outdoor pastimes.
• these guidelines should be communicated and reinforced to employees through verbal reminders, posters, signs, pamphlets, notice, payroll stuffers, newsletters, and meetings.

there are links between intermittent and intense sun exposure (resulting in burns) in adolescence and the development of skin cancers later in life (“canadian cancer society’s advisory committee on cancer statistics (2014).canadian cancer statistics 2014. pp. 87.), and skin cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in canadian youth from 15-35 years old (canadian skin cancer foundation, “about skin cancer”).  

here is some advice for treating a mild sunburn:  

• avoid creams or lotions that may hold heat inside the skin or may contain numbing medication (i.e. benzocaine or lidocaine)
• use aloe vera
• do not wash burned skin with harsh soap
• for pain relief, you may use ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed
• do not give aspirin to children
• cover all sunburned areas

• sunburn that forms blisters or is extremely painful
• facial swelling
• nausea, fever or severe chills
• pale or cool skin
• rapid pulse or rapid breathing
• headache, confusion or a feeling of faintness or dizziness
• signs of dehydration (increased thirst, dry eyes and mouth, no urine output)
• signs of skin infection (increasing redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or pus)
• eyes that hurt and are sensitive to light

during the winter and spring months, it is important to protect yourself while pursuing snow sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. the sun’s reflection off of snow can increase the amount of uv radiation you receive by up to 85%. wearing sunscreen and sunglasses will help protect exposed areas. it is recommended that you take the same precautions during summer water sports.  

• 0-2 – low risk – minimal sun protection required (unless near water or snow). wear sunglasses if bright.
• 3-5 – moderate risk – take precautions – wear sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, seek shade during peak hours of 11 am to 4 pm.
• 6-7 – high risk – wear sun protective clothing, sunscreen, and seek shade.
• 8-10 – avoid the sun – seek shade – wear sun protective clothing, sun screen & sunglasses. white sand increases uv radiation exposure.
• 11 + – take full precautions. unprotected skin can burn in minutes. avoid the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, wear sunscreens & sun protective clothing.

daytime driving: general purpose sunglasses are considered sufficient protection during daylight driving. the industry is self-regulated and has three categories of sunglasses:  

• cosmetic sunglasses with lightly tinted lenses
• general purpose sunglasses with higher protection levels of all light
• special purpose sunglasses provide the highest protection, but are too dark for driving

there are two different types of uv filters found in sunscreens:  

• from 10 am to 4 pm
• when there is a lack of thick cloud cover
• from mid-spring through mid-fall
• at higher altitudes
• reflective surfaces, such as water and glass can direct additional uv rays toward people.

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