Sun Awareness Month (May 1-31, 2025)

Every May, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) leads Sun Awareness Month, bringing Canadians important reminders about sun protection, early skin cancer detection, and the importance of shade in keeping communities safe outdoors.

With skin cancer rates continuing to rise, and limited access to dermatologists due to long wait times and provider shortages, it’s more important than ever to take preventive action. Practicing sun safety—especially during the summer months when UV exposure is at its peak—is essential in reducing the risk of skin cancer.

What’s Happening This May

Throughout May, CDA Certified Dermatologists will be sharing evidence-based tips and answering your top sun protection questions to help counter misinformation and raise awareness. Follow us on social media all month long for regular UV protection reminders and expert advice on sunscreen use, early detection, and staying sun safe.

Check Your Skin Day – Sunday, May 4

Join us for our annual Check Your Skin Day and take an important step toward early detection. Use our simple 5-step guide to check your skin for unusual moles, spots, or changes. It’s quick, important, and it could save your life.

Take charge of your skin health. Explore our educational tools, learn what to look for, and know when to see a Certified Dermatologist. Greater public awareness leads to better prevention, early intervention, and improved health outcomes.

5-Step Self-Exam Guide

Sun Safety in the True North

Canada’s diverse landscapes, from Alberta’s summer heat to the snow-covered peaks of the Rockies, may vary, but one thing remains constant: the need for sun protection. No matter the season or location, UV rays never take a day off and can still pose a risk to your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but it’s also one of the most preventable.

Think the Arizona sun is intense? Alberta’s UV Index frequently hits the same extreme levels (11+) during summer months.

In places like Calgary and southern Alberta, clear skies push temperatures toward 40°C—and UV exposure is stronger than you’d think.

🍁Canadian adventures call for Canadian sun smarts 🍁

• Seek shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and lightweight, protective clothing

Protect your skin as you explore this land we proudly call home.

The True North is strong, free… and seriously sunny.

Sun Safety Tips from Canada’s Certified Dermatologists

Living in the True North means enjoying the outdoors, but it also calls for extra attention to sun protection.  Practice these sun safety habits to help protect yourself under the Canadian sun, wherever you are.

  • Seek shade during peak UV hours, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • Check your skin regularly and visit a certified dermatologist if you notice anything unusual.
  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
  • Choose a product with an SPF 30+ labelled “broad spectrum” to protect against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA).
  • Apply generously: 2–3 tablespoons for your body. A teaspoon for your face and neck. Don’t skip the easy-to-miss spots—ears, tops of feet, back of the neck—and swipe on some SPF lip balm too.
  • Reapply sunscreen after swimming, strenuous exercise or towelling off.
  • Look for the CDA “Recognized Sun Protection” logo when selecting a sunscreen to ensure it provides adequate protection.
  • Click here for a list of sunscreens recognized by the CDA.

“Burning” Questions Answered!

You asked, we answered! Certified CDA member dermatologists tackle your burning sun safety questions, questions from whether you need sun protection during your morning commute to whether self-tanners increase your risk of sun damage. Get the expert answers you’ve been waiting for.

Each week, we’ll feature a new Q&A, so check back regularly for expert insights!

Shade Structure Unveiling Events

The Canadian Dermatology Association is proud to unveil newly completed permanent shade structures funded through its Shade Structure Grant Program. These structures, now installed in high-use outdoor areas like parks, playgrounds, and community centres, are designed to help reduce harmful UV exposure and support sun safety in communities across Canada.

To celebrate the completion of these sun-safe spaces, ribbon-cutting events are being held to recognize local grant recipients and raise awareness about the importance of protecting yourself from ultraviolet radiation.

2024/2025 CDA Shade Structure Grant Recipients:

Town of Kentville – Town of Kentville, Nova Scotia
St Anthony Elementary School – Pierrefonds, Quebec
Personnel Support Programs – Borden, Ontario
Makoonsag Intergenerational Child Care Inc. – Winnipeg, Manitoba
University Neighbourhoods Association – Vancouver, British Columbia
The City of Courtenay – Courtenay, British Columbia

To learn more about the grant recipients and their projects, read the full press release.

Upcoming Shade Structure Unveiling Events & Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

  • Tuesday, May 6 | Town of Kentville, Nova Scotia (Ribbon-Cutting)
    Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Kentville Skatepark | 748 W Main St, Kentville, NS
  • Wednesday, May 7 | Pierrefonds, Quebec (Ribbon-Cutting)
    Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: St. Anthony Elementary School | 17750 Rue Meloche, Pierrefonds, QC
  • Friday, May 23 | Borden, Ontario (Ribbon-Cutting & Skin Cancer Screening) *
    Join us at the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) PSP location for a ribbon-cutting and free skin cancer screenings by CDA member dermatologists via Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile, presented by Neutrogena®, a Kenvue brand.
    Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (screenings to being at 10:00 a.m.)
    Location: Andy Anderson Arena Parking | Lot T-126, 100 Ramillies Rd, Borden, ON L0M 1C0

Additional events will be announced as details are confirmed.

Media Opportunities

  • Interview with a CDA-certified dermatologist
  • Photo opportunity at ribbon-cutting ceremonies

Media are welcome to attend for both photo and interview opportunities. To confirm attendance or request an interview in advance, please contact: media@dermatology.ca.

Press Release & Media Inquiries

View the full Sun Awareness Month press release here.

Certified dermatologists are available throughout May for media interviews on topics such as sun safety, skin cancer prevention, and early detection.

Please reach out to media@dermatology.ca to arrange an interview.

Stay Tuned

Campaign resources and creative assets will be added throughout the month.
Follow us on social media and join the conversation using #SunAwarenessMonth #BeSunSafe.