With warmer weather approaching, health experts are reminding Canadians that protecting their skin from the sun is more important than ever.

Skin cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and experts say many cases are preventable with proper sun protection.

“Three to four people in Canada are dying every day from melanoma,” said Melanoma Canada CEO Falyn Katz.

“These are largely preventable deaths because the majority of skin cancers and melanomas are caused by UV rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds or UV lamps. With greater awareness and education about sun safety, many of these deaths can be prevented.”

The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation says one in three cancers diagnosed worldwide is skin cancer and 80 to 90 per cent are caused by UV rays. It is estimated that, in 2025, 10,800 people in Canada were diagnosed with melanoma.

Statistics Canada data shows melanomas are among the top 10 most frequently diagnosed cancer types in Canada.



Katz says that, despite sunscreen availability, Canadians may not be using it correctly, if at all.

“The first mistake people make is not applying sunscreen,” Katz says. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there or people just don’t like the feel of it, but there are so many different types available now that there’s really something for everyone.”

A survey conducted by Ipsos for the Canadian Dermatology Association found 87 per cent of respondents said it was very or somewhat important that sunscreens not feel sticky or greasy.

Sunscreen should also be reapplied every two hours, or more often if someone is swimming or sweating.

Even when people do use sunscreen, many apply far less than the recommended amount. For full-body coverage, Katz say adults should use roughly an ounce of sunscreen “about the size of a shot glass,” each time they apply it.

Dr. Malika Ladha, with the Canadian Dermatology Association, says many young people still seek a tan despite awareness about sun protection.

“A tan is a literal sign of DNA damage to your skin cells from UV exposure,” she said.

For those who still want the look of tanned skin, Ladha recommends safer options.

“If you’re looking to add colour, you can use something like a bronzer, a tanning mousse, or a spray tan,” Ladha said.

She added that studies show regular sunscreen users who apply the recommended amounts of sunscreen still maintain normal vitamin D levels.

Ladha recommends using at least SPF 30 for daily sun protection and increasing to SPF 50 when spending extended time outdoors. She echoes Katz’s advice to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

In Canada, people underestimate the need for sunscreen because of colder weather or cloudy days.

At the same time, summer often brings societal norms that encourage tanning without sunscreen. Some believe they don’t need sunscreen because they have darker skin or believe they don’t need to apply sunscreen because they will be indoors.

In a survey by the Canadian Dermatology Association, 61 per cent of respondents said they agreed that some sun exposure without sunscreen is suggested for vitamin D production. (Research suggests sunscreen does not prevent a healthy amount of production.)



Ladha also noted that,m while darker skin contains more melanin and offers some natural protection, it does not eliminate the risk of UV damage or skin cancer.

She says UV rays can penetrate through windows, meaning people can still be exposed to UV indoors.

But small daily habits can make a significant difference.

Katz says simple actions such as applying sunscreen, checking the UV index and reapplying protection throughout the day can help reduce long-term risks.

“Sunscreen should be a habit like brushing your teeth,” she said. “If we can change behaviours, we can curb the rising trend of skin cancer and death rates.”

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