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Canadian Dermatology Association raises awareness of skin cancer risk during month of May

The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) has launched a month-long sun awareness campaign to inform Canadians about the importance of self skin examinations and the simple steps that can be taken to protect themselves and others from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure.

During the month of May, the CDA will be dedicated to sharing important sun awareness messages and resources for Canadians, including steps to conduct a self-examination and preventative actions across Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, CDA websites, media, and more.

On Sunday, May 8, the CDA will launch its first national “Check Your Skin Day.” The day was developed to serve as an annual reminder to Canadians to check their skin. On Monday, May 9, the CDA will launch its first TikTok challenge contest, “Tell me you’re sun smart without telling me you’re sun smart.” The contest will run from May 9 to May 27. On Thursday, May 19, the CDA will host an Instagram live Q&A event where member dermatologists will answer the public’s “burning” questions about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

In addition to these events, sun awareness messages, resources, and patient stories will be shared on each day in May.

“With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer, but easily preventable and detectable, it is a priority to learn self-skin examinations and practise sun safe behaviours,” Dr. Sunil Kalia, national chair of the CDA Sun Awareness Working Group and associate professor at the University of British Columbia, says.

For daily sun awareness content, follow the CDA on social media and visit www.dermatology.ca and the campaign website www.checkyourskin.ca.

Other important Canadian Dermatology Association links:

• Instagram

• Twitter

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

• TikTok

The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian certified dermatologists.