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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.
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.
The Swiss Alps are breathtaking—but here in Canada, we have the Rockies, our own world-class mountain range.
From Banff to Jasper, the Canadian Rockies offer glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and snow that lingers well into spring. Whether you’re hiking the endless trails, hitting the slopes, or simply taking in the view, don’t let the cooler temperatures fool you—UV rays are working year-round.
Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, doubling your exposure and making sun protection just as important in winter as it is in summer. UV rays don’t take a season off, and neither should your sun safety routine.
In Canada, shade isn’t just something we find. It’s something we’re surrounded by.
From forests to parks, this land—and what we’ve built upon it—helps protect us.
But when nature can’t cover you… #UmbrellasUp
Ocean breeze or lakeside stillness—UV doesn’t care.
From the stunning Pacific shores of British Columbia to the rugged Atlantic coastlines of the Maritimes, Canada is home to nearly 62% of the world’s lakes and more than 2 million km² of freshwater. These inland lakes and coastlines can reflect up to 100% of UV rays—matching the intensity of the world’s sunniest beaches and potentially doubling your exposure. While destinations like Australia and Greece are famous for strong beachside UV, Canada’s vast shorelines mean millions face high UV reflection right here at home.
🍁Canadian adventures call for Canadian sun smarts 🍁
#UmbrellasUp. 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.
- UV exposure can lead to eye conditions like cataracts and even increase the risk of eye cancer.
- Sneaky UV rays can creep in from the sides—even when it’s cloudy.
- Wraparound styles? Think of them as a cozy hug for your eyes, blocking rays from every angle.
- Choose sunglasses labelled “100% UV protection” or “UV400” to effectively shield your eyes.
- Tightly woven fabrics = better block (think denim, chambray, or cotton blends)
- Long sleeves and pants = less sunscreen needed
- UPF-rated clothing = bonus points for UV defence
- Quick test: If you can see through it, so can the sun.
- The right outfit doesn’t just look good—it guards your skin. Fashion with function, thanks to UPF.
- Baseball hats are great—for baseball. But they leave your face, ears and neck wide open.
- For real protection, go with a wide-brimmed hat—bonus points if it has a neck flap for full 360° shade.
- Covers where sunscreen often misses
- Tightly woven = stronger UV defence
- Darker fabrics help absorb rays before they hit your skin
“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!
Patient Stories
Across Canada, patients living with skin conditions and those who have faced a skin cancer diagnosis have experienced life-changing care thanks to the expertise of Canada’s certified dermatologists. Their stories highlight the vital role dermatologists play in diagnosing, treating, and improving lives. They also underscore the need for finding practical, long-term solutions that can ensure timely access to dermatologic care.
Jaida’s Fight
Battling Melanoma
At 27, Ontario-based Jaida’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma. Incredibly, she might have overlooked the mole on her back if not for…
Stephanie’s Journey
Detecting Melanoma Early
During the height of the pandemic, Stephanie began noticing a troubling mole but faced significant challenges getting a referral and an appointment to see a dermatologist.
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.
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
- Tuesday, May 27 | Winnipeg, Manitoba (Ribbon-Cutting)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Makoonsag Intergenerational Children’s Centre
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.
