Summer is here!

What are you doing to protect your skin?

As summer rolls around and we find ourselves spending more time in the sun, it’s important to take steps to protect ourselves from melanoma and other skin cancers. 

Melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer that develops when the melanocyte cells of the skin grow rapidly and divide uncontrollably, eventually causing a cancerous growth or tumour. (Learn more at Melanoma Canada).

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Canadians aged 15 to 59. It is also one of the few cancers with rapidly rising rates of diagnoses and incidence rates have been climbing for the past 25 years.

Avoid outdoor activities when the sun is strongest, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you are outdoors during these times, stay in the shade as much as possible.

Protect yourself from sunlight reflected by water, ice, snow, sand and pavement. If you’re sitting on a dock this summer, remember that UV rays reflected off water increases your UV exposure by 25%.

Wear clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that cover your arms and legs or special sun protective clothes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50 or more.

You should also be wearing hat with a wide brim that shades your face, neck, and ears and sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, ideally SPF 50, 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapply every two hours, or more often after sweating or swimming.

The concept of a “base tan” (the idea that a light tan will prevent burning) is a myth and provides little to no protection against sunburn or sun damage.

Tanning is not a safe source of vitamin D, which is best achieved through maintaining a healthy, vitamin D-rich diet, and taking vitamin D supplements.

Lymphedema Learning Library Feature:

Melanoma and Lymphedema

2018 prevalence data from the CLF estimates that 45,000 Canadians are living with lymphedema due to melanoma. Most of these cases are undiagnosed and untreated.

Explore this valuable learning resource today and embark on a journey towards greater understanding and empowerment in lymphedema management.

Cancer Rehabilitation: What is it, who can benefit, and how available is it in Canada?

In June, our friends at the Canadian Cancer Survivors Network (CCSN) welcomed Dr. Jennifer Jones to talk about Cancer Rehab. Her talk focused on the need, the methods, and what next steps are needed for this growing need for cancer survivors.



Dr. Jones is the Director of the Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. In addition, she is a Senior Scientist in Princess Margaret Research Institute and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry (primary) and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (cross-appointment), at University of Toronto.

Survey on Impact of Lymphedema –

Sondage sur l’Impact du Lymphoedème

A team of plastic surgery residents from McGill University are conducting a survey aimed at assessing the quality of life of patients affected by lymphedema; under the supervision of Dr. Joshua Vorstenbosch and Dr. Anna Towers.

The objective of this survey is to gather valuable insights into the physical, mental, emotional, and financial burdens faced by patients with lymphedema. This data will help identify areas needing improvement and develop targeted interventions to enhance overall patient well-being.

If you are interested in participating, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YVP2TRF

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