Most Canadians look forward to spending time outdoors after the long, harsh winters. However, stepping outside without proper sun protection carries risks. A new study from McGill University highlights a concerning trend regarding sun exposure and skin health across the country.
The Alarming Rise in Skin Cancer Rates
According to the recent study, melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, rose by an estimated 17% in 2024 over the previous year, with approximately 11,000 new cases diagnosed across the country.
Cutaneous melanoma causes more deaths than any other skin cancer, accounting for 1.9% of all cancer deaths in men and 1.2% in women in Canada. While the highest rates are found in the Maritimes, Ontario, and British Columbia, men and those over 60 are more susceptible regardless of location.
While Canada’s skin cancer rates are lower than those in Australia and New Zealand, its mortality rate remains high at 21%. Fortunately, melanoma mortality rates have started to decrease for the first time since 2013, likely due to advancements in targeted immunotherapy treatments.
Other forms of skin cancer, like basal and squamous cell carcinomas, are also becoming more common. These rising numbers highlight a critical need for better public awareness about daily sun safety.
Skin Cancer Awareness
Skin cancer is a group of conditions with different characteristics and risks. Knowing the types and understanding prevention and early detection can make a vital difference.
Types of Skin Cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, it is slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. BCC typically appears as a pearly or shiny bump, a pink patch of skin, or a sore that heals and then returns. These lesions often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, nose, ears, or neck, and may have tiny visible blood vessels, rolled borders, or a central crust.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often appears as a firm, red nodule, a scaly patch, or an open sore that bleeds, crusts, and does not heal. SCC can grow more quickly than basal cell carcinoma if left untreated.
- Melanoma: The most serious and potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer due to its high potential to spread. It often appears as a new, unusual spot or an existing mole that changes in size, shape, or colour. Detecting melanoma early is critical for effective treatment.
Early Detection:
- Perform monthly self-examinations of your skin using the “ABCDE” method:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- Border Irregularity: Edges are irregular or blurred.
- Color Variation: Uneven colors or multiple shades.
- Diameter: Greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution: Any change in size, shape, or color.
Schedule an annual full-body skin exam with your physician to check hard-to-see areas like your back. If a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy will be taken to test for skin cancer. Early-stage cases are often treated effectively with excision or topical therapies. More advanced cases may require systemic treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a new and highly successful method, as seen with Harrison clients like Douglas.
Why Sun Protection is a Year-Round Commitment
People often associate sun safety with summer vacations and trips to the beach. Yet, ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin all year long, even in Canada. UV radiation is strong enough to cause skin cancer, premature ageing, and eye damage, making consistent sun protection a must. During the colder months, ice and snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays, drastically intensifying your exposure. Whether it is a cloudy November afternoon or a bright July morning, Canadian weather requires a consistent, year-round approach to sun care.
Despite the rising statistics, skin cancer is highly preventable, according to Dr. Ivan Litvinov, Associate Professor of Dermatology at McGill and senior author of a McGill University study. He expressed concern over the “trend of increasing sun exposure and decreasing protection,” highlighting that occasional sunburns, particularly during childhood and teenage years, significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
Protecting Yourself and Modeling Safe Behaviour
Everyone needs to take sun safety precautions, regardless of age or skin tone. It’s especially important to model these habits for children, who learn by watching the adults around them. By regularly applying sunscreen and seeking shade, you teach kids habits that will protect their skin for a lifetime.
However, as children grow into teens and young adults, other influences can take hold. A concerning trend (one we have seen come and go for decades) has re-emerged on social media, where influencers are glorifying deeply bronzed skin. This trend promotes the idea that tanned skin is healthy or attractive, leading many young people to intentionally sunbathe, use tanning beds, and seek high UV indexes. Both practices dramatically increase the lifetime risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. If you have a young person in your life, it’s important to try to counteract these harmful online trends by promoting sun safety and celebrating all skin tones.
Hidden Risks: UV Sensitivity and Medications
Sunburns do not only result from spending too much time outdoors. Certain prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually make your skin much more sensitive to UV rays. Common examples include antibiotics like doxycycline, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide as well as topical products like retinoids and Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). People with autoimmune disorders or those who have recently undergone chemotherapy may also be more susceptible to UV damage.
Practical Ways to Block UV Rays
Protecting your skin requires a few simple but highly effective strategies. You can drastically lower your risk by following these daily practices:
- Seek shade: Seek shade during peak UV hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
- Cover up: Wear wide-brimmed hats and clothing that covers your skin.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV-protective lenses.
- Check the UV Index: Check the UV Index forecast. When the UV index is 3 or higher, take protective measures, even if it is cloudy.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF: Wear broad-spectrum SPF (which blocks both UVA and UVB rays). A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or activities where you sweat.
Sunscreen Insights
Not all sunscreens work the same way, and how you use them matters.
Types of Sunscreen:
- Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen: Contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These offer immediate protection as soon as they’re applied to the skin.
- Chemical Sunscreen: Needs to be applied 15–30 minutes before sun exposure to be effective.
Application Tips:
- Apply a generous amount—about a shot glass full—to cover your body.
- Reapply after swimming, heavy sweating, or every two hours, even on cloudy days.
Sunscreen for Children:
- It is recommended that infants under six months should avoid direct sun exposure and sunscreen entirely.
- Young children, especially those with sensitive skin, benefit from mineral-based sunscreens.
Additional Notes on Sun Safety
- Vitamin D: Instead of risking sun damage, consider a vitamin D supplement (1,000–2,000 IU daily) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Sensitive Environments: If you’re visiting coral reefs or other delicate ecosystems, use physical barriers like UV-protective clothing rather than chemical sunscreens to help protect the environment.
Staying Proactive with Harrison
Keeping our community informed and protected is a top priority for Harrison. We believe that enjoying the outdoors should never come at the expense of your health. By adopting these proactive sun safety measures, our clients can safely enjoy everything the Canadian landscape has to offer, no matter the season.
For more information on skin cancer, please speak with your Harrison team or view our Skin Health and Cancer Prevention webinar on the topic here.
Harrison clients have access to a Precision Skin Cancer Surveillance program in Vancouver and Calgary if they have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or have moles or lesions they are particularly concerned about. Speak to your Care Coordinator to learn more.
