Young people exposed to 'dangerous' UV levels, cancer society warns

Nearly 65 per cent of students in Ontario in Grades 7 to 12 said they tan themselves, according to a survey released by the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation.

The Ontario branch of the society released the results for Cancer Prevention Week. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada, accounting for one-third of new cancer diagnoses.

More than 50,000 youth in Ontario are exposing themselves to dangerous levels of UV by using artificial tanning equipment, the survey suggested.

"That so many young people choose to expose themselves to dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation is of great concern to us, and shows the urgency to regulate the tanning industry and ban artificial tanning for people under the age of 18," Rowena Pinto, director of prevention and public issues at the chapter, said in a release.

Among girls in Grades 11 and 12, 11 per cent said they visited tanning salons, according to the survey by the polling firm Youthography, commissioned by the society. Among boys, 3.8 per cent in junior high and high school said they used sun beds.

In 2005, the World Health Organization recommendedthat those under the age of 18 be banned from using artificial tanning equipment. Health Canada recommends against the use of tanning equipment.

Last week, Fabutan Sun Tan Studios, Canada's largest chain of tanning salons, said it would shut down any franchise caught servingthose under 16 without a parent present, and would require parental consent for 16- and 17-year-olds wanting tans.

Sunburns, either from the sun or tanning beds and lamps, are linked to the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers and malignant melanomas.

The cancer society offers these sun protection tips:

• Reduce exposure to the sun when its rays are most intense, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. orwhen the UV index is 3 or more.
• Enjoy places that include shade, and in open areas, such as beaches, bring an umbrella to create your own shade.
• Slip on light, loose-fitting clothing to cover your arms and legs.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that covers your head, face, ears and neck. Hats without a wide brim, such as baseball caps, do not give enough protection.
• Wear sunglasses, which can help prevent damage to your eyes by blocking a large amount of ultraviolet rays. Choose sunglasses with even shading, medium to dark lenses and UVA and UVB protection.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.If you work outdoors, or if you will be outside for most of the day, use an SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading out and reapply every two hours, more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Keep babies under one year out of the direct sun.

The survey was conducted Oct. 5-11 and was completed by 3,805 students aged 12 to 17.