May is Melanoma Awareness Month! Kinderbees is participating in the SunSense program created by the Canadian Cancer Society to bring more awareness about staying safe in the sun.
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, yet it is also one of the most preventable. 1 in 48 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main cause of skin cancer and about 65% of melanoma cases are due to ultraviolet radiation. Research indicates childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is an important factor in the development of skin cancer later in life. As few as 1 to 2 blistering sunburns during childhood are linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
The UV Index is a useful tool when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun. It tells you the strength of the sun’s daily UV rays that reach the earth’s surface – the higher the number, the stronger the sun’s rays and the more important it is to protect yourself.
In Canada between April and September, the UV Index can be 3 or more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., even when it’s cloudy. On these days, you need to be extra careful to protect your skin. Here’s how to find your UV Index. Time spent outdoors to play and explore is an important part of child development. Help your child enjoy the outdoors safely by practicing SunSense to protect their skin and develop sun safety habits that will carry on through life.
Best Practices for Protecting Skin
- Seek shade
- Cover Up
- Wear a hat
- Wear sunglasses
- Use sunscreen properly (at least SPF 50)
To learn more about how you can protect your children please visit: sunsense.ca.