Alberta Prevents Cancer is part of the Alberta Cancer Prevention
Legacy Fund (ACPLF) and is supported by Alberta Health. Through
the ACPLF, Alberta Health Services is working with Albertans in their
communities, workplaces and health system to transform cancer
prevention and screening. Our vision is an Alberta where most
cancer is prevented.
Learn more at albertapreventscancer.ca
Funding for the content is provided, in whole or in part, by Alberta Health.
Provision of funding by Alberta Health does not signify that this project
represents the policies or views of Alberta Health.
To learn more, visit besunsible.albertapreventscancer.ca.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. About one in seven of us will develop it, says
Dr. Laura McDougall, the medical and scientific director of the Alberta Cancer Prevention
Legacy Fund (ACPLF) at Alberta Health Services. Together, we can help reduce the risk factors
contributing to skin cancer
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EWAN NICHOLSON
Q: What percentage of
melanoma is avoidable?
A: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
from the sun and tanning beds
account for about 82 per cent
of melanoma in the province.
By working with businesses
and communities, we can
help ensure more Albertans,
especially outdoor workers,
are protected from the effects
of UVR exposure such as skin
cancer and sunburn.
Q: What is the risk of
skin cancer for outdoor
workers?
A: Outdoor workers are up
to 3½ times more likely to
develop skin cancer than
indoor workers. But we have
proven strategies to lower
their risk.
Q: What are they?
A: Shade combined with
effective sunscreen and
clothing can protect anyone
from the sun. Checking the
UV Index daily will indicate
the strength of the sun’s
rays—the higher the number,
the stronger the rays and the
more important it is to be
protected. Wherever possible,
outdoor workers can also try
working in shaded areas.
Q: What can employers
do to protect their
workers?
A: Employers can provide
protective equipment—
shade structures, sunscreen,
protective clothing, hats
and sunglasses—along with
education and training. We
are working to reduce the
sun-related health problems
of outdoor workers through
our Be Sunsible program.
Q: How will this benefit
all of us?
A: Developing sun safety
policies within health and
safety programs is an
effective way to protect
outdoor workers. And save
on healthcare spending. For
every $1 spent on skin cancer
prevention, a workplace can
save up to $7.80 in healthcare
costs. |a
SUN EXPOSURE
IS A WORKPLACE
ISSUE
