Ottawa’s mayor is only one patient caught up in what one doctor’s calling an “epidemic” of skin cancer.
Jim Watson underwent surgery Tuesday to remove two cancerous moles on his temple and neck, a procedure he said is a reminder to protect yourself against the sun.
“The first bout of skin cancer I had was in 2007 and I never wore sunscreen because I wanted to get a suntan, like everyone else,” he said.
While Watson said he rarely goes outside these days without a hat and sunscreen, one local dermatologist said not everyone is as diligent.
“It absolutely is a growing problem in Canada, in fact melanoma is one of the most (quickly)-increasing cancers in the world,” said Dr. Jennifer Beecker, calling it an “epidemic”.
There are more new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year in Canada than the number of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined, helping make it the most common form of cancer in the country and the world.
People outside on Wednesday said they’re concerned about melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, but also like the look of a tan.
“I get out in the sun when I can,” said Steve Tibbles. “Maybe I should be a little bit more concerned, but at the same time I like to enjoy it.”
“I really like getting tanned, not over-tanned but I try and get in the sun everytime I go to the beach,” said 13-year-old Lina Sakkal.
Dr. Beecker said since even a small tan is your skin’s response to sun damage, you should limit your time outside between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., use sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 and seek shade whenever possible.
She said indoor tanning is worse than smoking when it comes to cancer, and the best way to get some colour is out of a bottle or spray-tan booth.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Claudia Cautillo
