Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program-Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

Every year ~8,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma and 1,300 individuals succumb to this cancer, while an additional ~50,000-70,000 Canadians are diagnosed with keratinocyte carcinomas. The link between UV radiation exposure and the risk of developing a skin cancer is well established. Solar/artificial UV exposure plays a critical role in the development of: a) melanoma, keratinocyte carcinoma, Merkel cell cancers; b) skin photoaging; and c) direct causation of skin diseases (e.g., melasma, rosacea). Despite extensive knowledge on UV radiation's detrimental impact, many still fail to implement sun protection/sun avoidance, probably due to numerous myths around sun exposure and cultural appeal of a skin tan as being "healthy", attractive and sign of affluence. Because >90% of skin cancers are related directly to sun exposure it is worth engaging with our youth in an evidence-based dialogue on sun protection and skin cancer prevention. We will co-develop with the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance evidence-based sessions that will be held in 4 different universities during the orientation week. We will discuss clinically proven research on the impact of UV radiation on aging, skin cancer and inflammatory disease pathogenesis. We will highlight effective strategies for sun avoidance and sun protection that are tailored by sex/gender and skin phototypes. We will detail skin wellness recommendations: 1) avoid sun between 10AM-2PM and seek shade whenever possible; 2) wear wide-brimmed hats and tightly woven full-length clothing/rash guard; 3) use broad spectrum SPF>30 sunscreen, apply adequate amounts and reapply every 2 hours (more often if swimming/sweating); 4) avoid sunlamps/tanning salons. As part of the dialogue, we will discuss individual beliefs and perspective on the above evidence and barriers to implementing validated sun protection recommendations. We will encourage people to engage in outdoor activities without getting a tan. Celebrate natural skin color!