News release

Sun Safety Guide Launched

Cancer Care Nova Scotia

Sun Safe Nova Scotia today, May 28, launched Summer Sun Safety, a how-to guide for recreation and sport programs. The guide explains why and how to develop, implement and evaluate a sun safety program in a sport or recreation setting.

"We have among the highest rates of skin cancer in the country, and our kids spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer months," said Dr. Jennifer Klotz, chair, Sun Safe Nova Scotia and professor of dermatology, Dalhousie Medical School. "The Summer Sun Safety guide takes a common-sense approach to reducing skin cancer risk for children and employees who are spending long periods in the summer sun when the UV index is high.

"It's all about having safeguards in place to avoid sun burn and skin damage while enjoying the outdoors."

The guide has two main goals: to encourage sport and recreation programs to integrate sun safety into programs; and to provide information and resources that will make integration easier and more successful.

"On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I want to congratulate the Sun Safe Nova Scotia coalition and their partners for their commitment to developing the sun safe guide," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "As we look ahead to the summer and encourage people to get outside and be physically active, we also must provide them with information on how to be safe in the sun.

"This guide will help protect Nova Scotians and move us one step closer to being the healthiest and safest province in the country."

This year alone, about 2,500 Nova Scotians are expected to be diagnosed with non-melanoma or melanoma skin cancer. Those at highest risk for skin cancer include individuals with lightly coloured skin, hair and eyes. Because sun exposure also causes eye damage, premature aging of the skin and immuno-suppression, sun safety is important for all Nova Scotians.

"The evidence tells us that policy and education programs in recreation and sport settings do make a difference in improving sun safety practices," said Theresa Marie Underhill, chief operating officer, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "Encouraging sport and recreation programs to use this guide, with its proven approach, will help us achieve our ultimate goal of fewer Nova Scotians being diagnosed with skin cancer."

The Summer Sun Safety Guide is based on successful summer sun safety programs implemented in 2006 by community recreation services, Halifax Regional Municipality and the Town of Windsor recreation department. This work was done in collaboration with Capital Health's district cancer committee. The guide includes sample policies and support materials suitable for adaptation and use within both sport and recreation settings.

Among the suggested actions individuals should take to ensure sun protection are:

  • reducing sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest
  • wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat
  • planning outdoor activities in shaded areas
  • wearing sun glasses with UV protection
  • using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with an SPF of 15 or greater
  • avoiding the use of tanning beds

"This guide shows how easy it is to be safe in the sun," said Maureen Summers, executive director, Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia division. "By using this guide, sport and recreation groups can play a leadership role in reducing the risk of skin cancer in their communities."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia initiated Sun Safe Nova Scotia in spring 2004 to address skin cancer prevention. The coalition, chaired by Dr. Klotz, and supported by Judy Purcell, prevention co-ordinator, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, includes members from the Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre; Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia division; Capital Health; Cole Harbour Boys and Girls Club; Department of Community Services; Cowie Family Medicine; Dermatology Associates; the IWK Health Centre; Department of Health Promotion and Protection; Massage Therapists Association of Nova Scotia; Meteorological Service of Canada - Atlantic region; Canadian Physiotherapy Association - Nova Scotia branch; Seniors' Secretariat; Department of Natural Resources; Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia; West Hants Community Health Board; and Pictou County Team Health Centre.

Member organizations are working collaboratively to reducing skin cancer incidence and mortality in Nova Scotia.