Sun Myths
Know the facts
Myth: The sun is not damaging on a cloudy day
Fact: Cloudy days can allow up to 70% of UV rays to penetrate the clouds; reflecting off of water, sand and even snow.
Myth: The sun is the best way to get vitamin D
Fact: While sun exposure will indeed boost your body’s vitamin D levels, it also increases skin damage and your chance of developing skin cancer. Vitamin supplements provide the same benefits, without the risks.
Myth: One sunburn can’t hurt
Fact: One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. A person’s risk for melanoma also doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any age.
Myth: Only older people get skin cancer
Fact: Young people are just as susceptible to skin cancer as older people. In fact, melanoma is the second most common cancer among those aged 15 to 34.
Myth: Skin cancer appears only in sun exposed areas
Fact: Melanoma can occur in areas not normally exposed to the sun, including the abdomen, groin and the soles of your feet.
Myth: Doctors always find melanomas
Fact: You should not rely on your doctor as your only means of detection. It’s important to do skin self-examinations regularly and keep track of the appearance of a new mole or changes to an existing one.
For more information about sun safety, melanoma and how to properly check your moles, please visit www.saveyourskin.ca. (www.newscanada.com)
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
