April 23-29 is Cancer Prevention Week
Skin Cancer Facts
* Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) emitted from both the sun and artificial tanning equipment is a known human carcinogen, causing skin cancer. * Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada, accounting for 1/3 of all new cancer diagnoses. Although most skin cancer is treatable, with an excellent prognosis, it can be fatal and treatment can result in significant morbidity. The risk of skin cancer is decreased by taking precautions to minimize exposure to UVR. * Exposure to UVR during childhood and adolescence (i.e., before age 18) is known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. * There is no difference in a tan produced by the sun compared to that from tanning equipment. UVR exposure from either the sun or tanning equipment increases an individual's risk of developing skin cancer. In some cases, tanning equipment emits UVR up to five times as strong as the midday summer sun. * Government legislation restricting artificial tanning for youth under the age of 18 will help to prevent skin cancer and can be expected to reduce future healthcare costs. This legislation already exists in some other provinces, parts of the U.S., and other western countries. Arecent poll demonstrated the following related to youth and tanning in Ontario: + Tanning is an appealing practice for young people - nearly 65% of students in Grades 7 to 12 are tanning through one means or another. + 5.7% Grade 9 and 10 students and 7.4% per cent of Grade 11 and 12 students use tanning equipment. + 11.4% of females in Grades 11 and 12 use artificial tanning equipment as compared to 3.4% of males. Provided by the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division.