Monday, May 07, 2012
Reducing the risk of melanoma by encouraging youth to go tan-free
Ottawa – Today Mayor Jim Watson proclaimed Melanoma Awareness Day in the City of Ottawa. Over the last decade there has been a steady increase in the number of young adults being diagnosed with melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
“In Ottawa, melanoma is now the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in youth and young adults,” said Mayor Jim Watson, a skin cancer survivor. “As a leader in creating healthy environments, the City recognizes the need for a concerted effort by many players to reverse the trend of increasing melanoma incidence in youth.”
During the event, the Canadian Dermatology of Association also proclaimed Melanoma Monday in Canada.
“Ottawa Public Health encourages residents to reduce their exposure to ultraviolet radiation,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health. “Ultraviolet radiation emitting devices, such as tanning beds or lamps cause both skin and eye melanoma; furthermore, indoor tanning before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 75 per cent.”
Ottawa Public Health (OPH), in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Care Ontario, Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit, and Renfrew County and District Health Unit launched the “Enjoy the Skin You’re In” social media campaign in late 2011 to encourage youth to feel good about the natural colour of their skin. The campaign’s latest YouTube video, produced and created by the EOHU, was launched today and can be viewed on the Canadian Cancer Society YouTube channel. The campaign also includes a Facebook page and a social media application (IndoorTanMe.com).
Public health staff have been promoting the Tan-Free Prom initiative launched by the Canadian Cancer Society in 2011. Students from l’École secondaire publique De La Salle are asking their peers to pledge to remain tan-free for their graduation festivities. Students have developed resources to educate their friends and fellow students about the dangers of tanning beds. De La Salle is the first school in Ottawa to promote the Tan-Free Prom, following in the footsteps of a growing number of students across Canada spreading the word about the dangers of indoor tanning.
For more information about how to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation, please visit ottawa.ca/health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth).
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