Dr. Anatoli Freiman was interviewed by Ontario Outdoors Radio station, discussing skin cancers and sun safety measures. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer – one in six Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is also one of the most preventable. This week is National Sun Awareness Week in Canada, and Dr. Freiman reviewed the important measures of sun awareness and protection: staying out of the sun in peak hours (e.g. 10am-3pm), seeking shade, wearing sun protective clothing and sunglasses, and using sunscreen. It is recommended that broad-spectrum (UVB and UVA protection) and high SPF (30+) sunscreen should be generously and evenly applied to the skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. It should also be reapplied in sufficient quantities every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Of note, 30ml (approximately an ounce or a shot glass) of sunscreen is needed to adequately cover the body skin surface and a teaspoon is needed for the face. Dr Freiman also reviewed features of common skin pre-cancers and cancers: actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Awareness of these conditions, regular skin exams and early skin cancer detection greatly increase the chance of successful treatment and cure.
