Q: What type of clothing blocks the sun’s rays?

A: Almost all clothing provides some protection from the sun, but some types will protect better than others. A good way to check is to hold the piece of clothing up to a light. The tighter the weave of the fabric, the more light it will block out, and the less UV radiation that will get through. Fabric that is wet, or has a loose weave will allow more light to penetrate through to the skin.

Q: What is the best type of hat for sun protection?

A: The best hats have a brim that is at least 7.5 cm (3”) all the way around. Legionnaire – style caps (caps with a back flap) are also recommended to help protect the neck, ears and face.

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Q: What does broad-spectrum mean?

A: A sunscreen that is classified as ‘broad-spectrum’ protects the skin against both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. To ensure that you are using a broad-spectrum product, look for the Canadian Dermatology Association logo.

Q: What is the ozone layer?

A: The ozone layer is a thin layer of gases that surrounds the earth. It acts as a sunscreen for the earth, blocking out most of the sun’s UV radiation. Over the last few years, the ozone layer has become slightly thinner, allowing more damaging UV rays to reach the earth’s surface than before.

Q: What is the UV Index?

A: The UV Index is a simple measure of the intensity (strength) of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays on a given day. It is measured using a scale that runs from 0 (lowest intensity) to 12 (highest).

Q: What is melanoma?

A: Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It usually starts to grow as a flat, irregular brown spot. After a few years, it will begin to grow more rapidly and will start to elevate. Once this happens, it has the ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is not painful, but about one third of cases can be persistently itchy.

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Q: What are the early warning signs of skin cancer?

A: Look for the A, B, C’s of skin cancer:

• A – asymmetry (normal moles are round and symmetrical)
• B – border (skin cancers can have uneven borders)
• C – colour (look for uneven colouring including different shades of brown, black,
  white, blue and red) 
• D – diameter (larger than 6mm)
• E - evidence of change

Q: Who is most at risk for skin cancer?

A: A person who has fair skin, red or blond hair, green or blue eyes, many freckles and moles, and who burns easily is most at risk for developing skin cancer.

Q: What does SPF mean?

A: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures the ability of a sunscreen to protect the skin from burning. The higher the SPF number, the more it will protect your skin and the longer you are able to stay in the sun without burning.

Q: Why are sunglasses important?

A: UV radiation from the sun can cause irreversible eye damage and can contribute to the development of skin cancer on the eyelid and on the surface of the eye.