Skin Cancer Prevention: Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers

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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. THANK YOU! • Questions • Comments

24. 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