Approximately 90 per cent of all non-melanoma skin cancers can be attributed to UV exposure. In Canada, the incidence of skin cancers is increasing with BC having the highest melanoma rates in Canada.
Evidence suggests that:
- people who experience sunburns have a greater risk of developing skin cancer from exposure to the sun
- childhood and adolescence exposure increases the risk of skin cancer later in life
- one type of skin cancer increases the risk of developing other types
- increasing risk of skin cancer is seen with increasing chronic sun exposure
- research has suggested that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is significantly associated with exposure to UV radiation
- a variety of serious non-cancerous skin diseases result from UV exposure
- UV exposure is one cause of cataracts and corneal injuries can occur from UV exposure
- projections for future ozone reduction resulting in increased ambient UV levels means that an exposure will be even more consequential over time
- people of all ages need to protect themselves from UV
The best protection from skin cancer is to minimize exposure to the sun without reducing regular exercise.