Protecting your skin from the sun

If you plan to catch some rays this Canada Day weekend, make sure to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

That advice from the Save Your Skin Foundation comes as the number of skin cancer cases continues to rise.

Kathy Barnard, founder and president, said skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Canada.

“One in six Canadians born in the 1990s will get skin cancer in their lifetime,” said Barnard.

“There are now more new cases of skin cancer each year than the number of breast, prostate, lung, and colon combined.”

As both a melanoma and immunotherapy survivor, Barnard and her foundation work to share the experience and knowledge gained with other Canadians.

Barnard said melanoma is now the seventh most common cancer in Canada and the fourth most common among the 15 to 29 age demographic.

The major risk factor, she said, is exposure to UV radiation through sunlight, tanning beds, and sun lamps.

While no cancer can be entirely prevented, Barnard said there are things you can do proactively to reduce your risk.

She said you should always have sunscreen with you and ensure it has an SPF of at least 30.

“We can go out in the morning, and we’ve got a lot of overcast, and two hours later, it can be sunny and warm, and that UV index can be high,” said Barnard.

Make sure to wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, and seek out shade when the UV index gets high.

If you notice any changes to your skin, make sure to speak with your doctor, said Barnard.