Kathy Barnard
Founder & President,
Save Your Skin Foundation
As the weather warms up and outdoor activities beckon, it’s crucial to remember that while we enjoy the sunshine, we must also be mindful of sun safety.
The sun habits we develop in our youth can significantly impact our long-term health, particularly concerning skin cancer. With rising rates of melanoma and other skin cancers, it’s more important than ever for young people to adopt good sun safety practices early on.
Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. It can also lead to premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Experts recommend starting healthy sun habits as soon as possible. Simple actions learned early can save lives, which is why it’s imperative to teach young people about the risks of skin cancer and how to mitigate them.
One person who knows this all too well is Jake, a skin cancer survivor from Penticton, BC, who was diagnosed with melanoma in his early twenties. Although he caught it early, his journey has been a constant reminder of how essential it is to be vigilant about sun safety. “Before my diagnosis, I never even thought about skin cancer because I just assumed it only really ever happens later in life. Well, I’m living proof that it can happen at any age,” Jake shares. His story highlights an important truth: skin cancer doesn’t discriminate by age.
Knowledge is Power
A 2021 study found that a third of young adults failed a basic quiz on sun exposure, with many unaware that tanning could cause skin cancer or that UV rays are reflected and increased by snow, water, and sand. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness among younger generations. SOURCE
While regular skin checks are essential for catching skin cancer early, the best thing you can do for your skin is to prevent sun damage before it happens. Incorporating good sun safety habits into your routine can make a big difference. This is especially prevalent in Canada, where we are facing a shortage of family doctors and dermatologists, which means longer wait times for diagnosis, treatment and care, potentially leading to worse outcomes. For young people, this means using sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing like hats and UPF-rated shirts, and being mindful of the time spent in the sun. It’s also about making smarter choices regarding outdoor activities, like taking breaks in the shade or planning outdoor time when the sun isn’t as intense, usually before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
Fostering these habits early on can help young people understand the importance of sun safety and take ownership of their health. Encouraging conversations about skin protection and modeling good behavior can make a huge difference. Parents, teachers, and mentors can play a key role by providing reminders, offering sunscreen, and making sun protection a normal part of outdoor activities.
Be Sun Safe in Style
In addition, sun-protective gear doesn’t have to be dull—many brands have released stylish sun-safe alternatives for people to choose from. As Jake notes, “The goal is to spread the importance of sun protection and create awareness around skin cancer,” and that’s how he came up with the idea for his newly launched brand Enjoy the Vu, where the protective clothing is both stylish and functional.
Ultimately, the goal is clear: start practicing sun safety at a young age. Whether it’s through daily sunscreen application or seeking shade during peak hours, these habits will help protect your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer as you age. It’s never too early to start—and it could make all the difference in the future.
If you would like more information or resources on sun-safety, please visit our website at saveyourskin.ca.
