(May 1 – 31, 2024)
The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) has launched its annual month-long Sun Awareness Campaign. This year is focused on protecting children and adolescents; the campaign encourages Canadians to not only educate themselves on effective sun protection behaviors but also to embrace lifestyle changes that contribute to long-term skin health. Through a combination of educational resources, community engagement initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the CDA envisions a proactive and united front against the preventable risks of skin cancer, especially among the most vulnerable demographic.
For more details, read the 2024 Sun Awareness Month press release.
WEEK 1 (MAY 1-3): LAUNCH OF CAMPAIGN, RELEASE OF IPSOS REID SURVEY RESULTS
2023 CDA Sun Safe Behaviour Survey
The latest public opinion survey commissioned by the CDA in September 2023, conducted by Ipsos Reid, revealed some positive trends and findings of concern. The top concerns for Canadians exposing themselves to the sun continue to be sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer.
For more details, read the report for the 2023 SUN SAFE BEHAVIOUR SURVEY.
2024 Shade Structure Grant Program
Are you a school, daycare, municipal park, or a not-for-profit organization seeking shade for your community? Providing shade is an important way to minimize sun exposure & reduce the risk of skin cancer. The CDA Shade Structure Grant program is offering five grants up to $7,500 each to have permanent shade structures installed. Application deadline is June 28, 2024.
Globe and Mail Editorial and Advertisement
Better Outcomes with Sun Protection and Skin Health Monitoring | May 1, 2024
Rogers Daytime Ottawa
Dr. Sophia Colantonio shines a light on the CDA’s Third Annual “Check Your Skin Day” | May 3, 2024
WEEK 2 (MAY 5-11): WHY ARE CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPORTANT TO TARGET?
With rising global temperatures, it’s essential to safeguard your children with sunscreen to shield them from UV exposure! Fifty per cent of damage induced by sun exposure occurs in childhood and adolescence.
On May 5, 2024, join us for the annual Check Your Skin Day! The CDA recommends everyone conducts routine skin checks. It’s easy, you can do it yourself, and it’s crucial for early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma! If caught early enough, this potentially deadly form of skin cancer can be easily treated. To learn more about how you can check your skin, watch this video.
WEEK 3 (MAY 13-17): HEALTHY SUN PROTECTION HABITS
Discover expert advice from Certified Dermatologists on incorporating sun safe habits into your family’s daily routine, explore innovative and proven sun protection strategies to embrace a healthier, more sun-conscious way of living as global temperatures continue to riseWe’ve got tips on sunscreen, hats, protective clothing, shade and sunglasses!
Download and print our free sun-safe bookmark today to keep essential sun protection tips at your fingertips and ensure you enjoy the sunshine safely!
WEEK 4 (MAY 20-24): TARGETING YOUTH OUTDOOR WORKERS IN HIGH SUN EXPOSURE ENVIRONMENTS
Do you or your children work outdoors and are frequently exposed to the sun? We’ve got some tips to be sun safe!
WEEK 5 (MAY 27-31): #LookForTheLogo PROGRAM
Mineral sunscreens filter both UVA and UVB rays to help protect against skin damage. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are also better to use for kids. And if you’re a teenager using acne medication containing Retin-A (Tretinoin) or benzoyl peroxide, sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 should be used daily to protect your skin from UV rays. When you see the CDA’s Recognized Sun Protection logo on products, you can trust they have SPF 30 or higher, are minimally perfumed or non-perfumed, gentle on skin to avoid skin irritation and do not clog pores.