Back to SearchKingston, May 1, 2017 - Today is Melanoma Monday. With data from Cancer Care Ontario indicating that the South East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) area has the highest melanoma rate in the province, KFL&A Public Health is reminding residents to enjoy the sun safely by protecting their skin and eyes.
Data from 2010 to 2012 shows that people in the South East LHIN had more than double the number of incidents of melanoma in young adults aged 15 – 29 than in the province overall, and in 2012, the highest rate of melanoma for men in the province. “Melanoma can affect anyone regardless of sex, age, or ethnic identity,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health. “Melanoma Monday was created to raise awareness about melanoma and to encourage the community to protect and to check their skin.”
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and the risk of melanoma can be reduced by protecting one’s skin from UV rays by using the methods outlined in the newly revised core messages for sun safety in Canada. If the UV Index is 3 or higher, residents are encouraged:
- To plan outdoor activities before 11:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. when possible,
- To find or to make shade outside,
- To wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and
- To wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
A person is at an increased risk if she or he has a high level of sun exposure, has many moles and pale skin, has red or blond hair and blue or green eyes, a family history of skin cancer, or a history of blistering sunburn. While melanoma is more common in those who have pale skin, all skin types should protect and monitor their skin for melanoma. “As we plan for the long weekend in May and other summer events, residents are urged to consider the timing, and to plan to do activities earlier or later in the day when they will have less exposure to UV rays,” said Lisa Munday, Manager of Chronic Disease Prevention at KFL&A Public Health. “Remind participants and family members about the importance of sun safety, and to protect their skin and eyes at all times.”
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