Skip to content

Best sun protection? Stay out of it, doctor says

More cases of skin cancer being diagnosed every day in B.C., here's one cancer researcher's thoughts on how to stay safe
Suntanning
Don't do this unless you've slathered on an ounce of SPF30 or higher sunscreen, according to a B.C. cancer researcher. Even then, it's best to stay out of the sun when the sun is high to protect yourself against skin cancer.

There’s a downside to summer — and, no, it's not being stuck in the office when the sun is out.

In fact, the dark underbelly to what is otherwise the best time of the year is the concern about skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

In fact, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, 90% of skin cancers are caused by UV radiation, and with incidences of skin cancer on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect your body's largest organ.

“There is lots you can do to stay safe in the sun,” said Dr. Parveen Bhatti, BC Cancer¹s scientific director of cancer prevention.

There is an urgency to the message, Bhatti told The Tri-City News, because thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. In B.C. alone, more than 1,300 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and that number is projected to rise by 26% over the next five years.

The reason for the increase is difficult to pinpoint but Bhatti said it could be that baby boomers who were were big on suntanning in their younger years are now paying the price.

"The population is getting older. As you age, you tend to see more cancers develop.”

The next generation won’t face the same danger if they take steps now to protect themselves and their children, Bhatti said.

Slathering on a lot of sunscreen — an ounce or more of SPF30 or higher is recommended —  wearing protective clothing, including hats and long sleeves, and staying out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is his advice.

“When it’s bright and sunny, you’re going to have the strongest UV exposure. That’s where it’s the biggest concern,” Bhatti said.

Of course, not everyone can stay out of the sun during those times, and for construction and recreation workers, landscapers and others who work all hours of the day in the summer, Bhatti recommends sunscreen, hats and other clothing that keeps the sun’s UV rays off the skin.

“The association with skin caner in people that are working outdoors has been a little tougher to discern, because there actually might be some-self selection here — people that maybe aren’t as sensitive to skin damage from the sun may stay in those occupations. But definitely, it’s something that outdoor workers need to be aware of.”

Bhatti said people with olive or dark skin tones may have more natural protection but should still look after their skin and avoid absorbing too much of the sun’s UV rays. People with darker skin may also not notice if they do have skin irregularities and may not bother seeking out a doctor’s help.

For these people, Bhatti’s advice is the same as for those with fair skin: Be careful in the outdoors, especially when the sun is high in the sky.

As for tanning, that’s a no-no, and is as outdated as your mother’s ’70s playlist.