OTTAWA, May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) has launched its annual month-long Sun Awareness Campaign. This year is focused on protecting children and adolescents; the campaign encourages Canadians to not only educate themselves on effective sun protection behaviors but also to embrace lifestyle changes that contribute to long-term skin health. Through a combination of educational resources, community engagement initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the CDA envisions a proactive and united front against the preventable risks of skin cancer, especially among the most vulnerable demographic.
It is estimated that "approximately 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18 years," (Stern RS, Weinstein MC, Baker SG. Risk reduction for nonmelanoma skin cancer with childhood sunscreen use. Arch Dermatol. 1986;122:537?545). "...UVR-induced skin changes and associated photodamage may begin as early as the first summer of life, before infant skin has accommodated to the environment and before natural photoprotection is fully developed,"(Nikolovski J, Stamatas GN, Kollias N, Wiegand BC. Barrier function and waterholding and transport properties of infant stratum corneum are different from adult and continue to develop through the first year of life. J Invest Dermatol. 2008;128(7):1728 ?1736).
The CDA recommends parents take the following steps to protect youth:
As always, early detection is key, and everyone should regularly perform a skin evaluation and see a Certified Dermatologist if they spot something suspicious.
"Children's skin is more susceptible to UV damage and skin cancer. In addition, the amount of sun exposure acquired by children and adolescents tends to be over 50% of their lifetime cumulative sun exposure! Canadians at risk should increase their awareness of sun protection behaviours and modify their lifestyle practices to prevent skin cancer and other possible harmful effects of excessive ultraviolet exposure," says Dr. Sunil Kalia, national chair of the CDA Sun Awareness Working Group and Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia.
"As we launch this year's Sun Awareness Campaign, our focus is squarely on the well-being of our youth," says CDA President Dr. Michele Ramien, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, Alta. Her practice is focused on clinical care of medically or dermatologically complex children. "We believe that informed communities and parents can make a substantial impact in reducing the incidence of skin cancer, particularly when it comes to our children and adolescents," added Dr. Ramien.
2023 CDA Sun Safe Behaviour Survey
The latest public opinion survey commissioned by the CDA in September 2023 revealed some positive trends. The top concerns for Canadians exposing themselves to the sun continue to be sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer.
Positive Findings
Findings of concern
For more details, access the 2023 SUN SAFE BEHAVIOUR SURVEY.
Important Dates
For more advice from the CDA on protecting yourself from melanoma and other skin cancers, visit dermatology.ca
About the Canadian Dermatology Association
Established in 1925, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is a member organization that advocates for dermatologists across Canada, underscoring their essential role in the healthcare system. As a community of Certified Dermatologists, we are dedicated to advancing the science of dermatology encompassing over 3000 skin, hair and nail conditions. Our commitment extends beyond professional support; we also protect and educate the public through comprehensive educational initiatives and our product recognition program.?
To learn more about CDA initiatives, visit dermatology.ca and join the conversation on our social media channels.
For media inquiries, contact:
Maryn Hendry, Communications Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
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