Skin Cancer Prevention: Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers

Skin Cancer Prevention:Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers Presentation prepared by: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Public Affairs, Prevention June 2012 v4

How we’re fighting cancer • doing everything we can to prevent cancer • funding research to outsmart cancer • empowering, informing and supporting Canadians living with cancer • advocating for public policies to improve the health of Canadians • rallying Canadians to get involved in the fight against cancer

What is Cancer? • starts in our cells • exists when cells do not behave normally • number of diseases rather than one disease • risk factors increase your chances of getting cancer

Facts About Skin Cancer Statistics • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada. • An estimated 87,100 Canadians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2012. • 81,300 non-melanoma • 5,800 melanoma • melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults aged 15-29 in Canada • Skin cancer is mostly preventable. *(Canadian Cancer Statistics – 2010)

Facts About Skin Cancer Types of skin cancer Non-Melanoma • Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma • most common • frequent recurrences/multiples Melanoma • least common • more likely to be fatal

Facts About Skin Cancer About Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) • invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun and are also emitted from indoor tanning equipment • major cause of skin cancer • sunburn, suntan, premature aging of skin and cataracts

Facts about Skin Cancer UV radiation damage to the skin (like a tan or sunburn) is only temporary. By resting your skin between exposures, the damage is erased. (true/false)

Facts about Skin Cancer UV radiation damage to the skin is only temporary. By resting your skin between exposures, the damage is erased. (true/false) False - Acute effects of a sunburn do go away, and a tan does fade, but UV radiation damage (i.e. to the DNA in skin cells) is cumulative.

Facts about Skin Cancer Do you need to protect yourself from the sun on a cloudy day? (yes/no)

Facts about Skin Cancer Do you need to protect yourself from the sun on a cloudy day? (yes/no) Yes - The sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, fog and mist.

Facts About Skin Cancer Have you ever been burned? • indicator of skin damage • risk factor for skin cancer • Canadian adults and children - worst burns while taking part in outdoor recreational activities

Second National Sun Survey – 2006 Canadian outdoor workers: sun exposure • Outdoor workers have a much greater sun exposure than average Canadians aged 16 - 64 years of age.* • Forty-six percent of male outdoor workers spend four or more hours in the sun during working time.* *Source: National Sun Survey Highlights Report, July 10 2008

SunSense Guidelines Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or when the UV Index is 3 or more. The UV Index • measures strength of sun’s rays • range (0 – 11+) • if 3 or more, included in weather forecasts • daily UV Index forecast published by EnvironmentCanada

SunSense Guidelines Seek shade or create your own shade • Shade can be found under trees, tents and awnings. • In open areas, bring an umbrella to create your own shade.

SunSense Guidelines Slip on clothing to cover your arms and legs. • loose fitting, tightly wovenand light weight

SunSense Guidelines Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. • Cover your head, face, ears and neck. • Hats without a wide brim (e.g. baseball caps alone) do not give enough protection.

SunSense Guidelines Slop on a sunscreen with SPF #15 or higher. • Choose broad spectrum which protects against UVA & UVB. • Apply generously. • Cover your nose, ears and tops of your feet. • For outdoor workers or if you are outside for most of the day, use SPF 30.

SunSense Guidelines Wear sunglasses • block UV rays; should have both UVA and UVB protection • even shading with medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint) • children should wear them too

SunSense Guidelines Know the skin you are in! Early detection of skin cancer • Check regularly for changes • See your doctor if you notice: • birthmark or mole that changes shape, colour, size, surface • sores that do not heal • new growths on skin • patches of skin that bleed

Vitamin D What we know • good for bone health and may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer • sources: incidental exposure to sunlight, foods fortified with Vitamin D, supplements • You don’t need a tan to get adequate amounts of vitamin D

Vitamin D Canadian Cancer Society Recommendations Get enough vitamin D from the sun, supplements and your diet. • Talk to your doctor about taking 1000 international units (IU) a day during fall and winter months. • Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a vitamin D supplement all year round if you: • are over 50 • have dark skin • don’t go outside very much • wear clothing covering most of your skin

Summary • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada. • UVR is a major risk factor for skin cancer (sun and indoor tanning equipment). • Use of all of the SunSense Guidelines is the most effective way of reducing the risk of skin cancer. • It is not necessary to tan to get adequate levels of vitamin D. • There are steps outdoor workers can take while at work to protect themselves from sun and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

THANK YOU! • Questions • Comments

For the most up-to-date information: • visit www.cancer.ca • call the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333 Thank you! Presentation prepared by: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Public Affairs, Prevention June 2010

Skin Cancer Prevention: Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers