May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect opportunity to check you have the information you need to protect your skin and your loved ones. Skin Cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent, but it requires vigilance and risk mitigation.
Skin Cancer can affect us all, whether we live near the equator or in Atlantic Canada. It may seem like our climate would safeguard us outside of the summer months, but your skin is absorbing sun damage day in, day out.
Some of your questions answered
How prevalent is skin cancer in Canada?
Our low suns can cause powerful levels of UV light exposure despite our colder temperatures during the winter months. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, skin cancer is on the rise as our lifestyles cause increased levels of UV exposure and our habits fail to adequately protect us.
It is estimated that in 2022:
- 9,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer.
- 1,200 Canadians will die from melanoma skin cancer.
- 4,900 men will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 770 will die from it.
- 4,000 women will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 440 will die from it.
Can you still get sun damage through a window?
Many believe that only time outside or on sunbeds exposes us to UV damage, but you can still get cancer through a window. Windows don't filter UV light, meaning you are just as exposed indoors as outdoors. Our UV window film options allow natural light to pass through while blocking damaging UV rays, protecting your family's skin. Our window film is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as a practical way to limit your indoor UV exposure.
Related content:
How to protect your loved one's skin inside and out
Skin Cancer Foundation Canada: Not All UV Rays Stay Outside: How Window Film can Protect You
Who is at risk of skin cancer?
Unfortunately, everyone is at risk of skin cancer. Young or old, fair-skinned or dark. While some people are able to avoid it despite consistent sun-tanning, they are not immune. Celebrity Hugh Jackman was the picture of health as Wolverine but has openly stated that his previous nonchalance with UV protection was the likely cause of his personal run-in with skin cancer.
What do I need to do to minimize my risk of skin cancer?
There are many steps we can take to minimize our exposure to UV light and, as such, our risk of skin cancer. We urge you to read this list and ensure you put your skin’s safety on your to-do list:
- Wear an appropriate factor sun cream, even during the winter months.
- Limit your time in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
- Check your skin regularly for signs of any abnormalities.
- Have a Skin Cancer Foundation-approved window film added to your windows.
Click here for a free resource on skin cancer prevention from the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Why Maritime Window Film Specialists?
Maritime Window Film Specialists is a family-owned business with more than 40 years of experience. We serve New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia and are proud to have a Skin Cancer Foundation approved window film as part of our available options. Our window film provides powerful year-round protection wherever you need it.
To discuss our UV window film, get in touch with our team.
Think window film; think Maritime Window Film Specialists.
