Melanoma is preventable but Canadians are not doing what it takes to avoid it, so it is now one of the fastest rising of all cancers in Canada, according to a new report from the Canadian Cancer Society.
Rates of other cancers and deaths from them are declining. But for men, the incidence of melanoma increased two per cent per year between 1986 and 2010, while the death rate rose 1.2 per cent per year. The figures for women were 1.5 per cent incidence and 0.4 per cent deaths annually.
Prevention is best, says society
Moles that have an irregular shape and that change colour are a hallmark of malignant melanoma. If they are detected early they can be treated. But it’s best to not get them at all, says the society.
This form of skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun or by tanning devices found in specialty salons.
Canadians getting more sun
“Based on survey that we’ve seen done in Canada, we’re seeing Canadians over the last two decades spending more time in the sun during their leisure activities,” says Robert Nuttall, director of cancer control policy at the Canadian Cancer Society.
“We’re seeing Canadians spending more time taking winter vacations or taking vacations to sunnier places. We’re seeing Canadians especially younger women using indoor tanning beds. So we think there’s perhaps behavioural changes taking place. And we’re not seeing people taking more precautions,” adds Nuttall.
‘Protect yourself,’ warn experts
In Canada, the sun is strongest between the hours of 11am and 4pm and Nuttall suggests people do indoor activities during that time. If they are going to be outside, he suggestss they seek shade or cover up with clothing and hats, use a sunscreen rated at least 15 and use it properly. Wearing sunglasses is important too, he adds, and tanning beds should be avoided.
Lung cancer declines as does incidence of smoking
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in Canada. But its incidence and death rates have declined at the same time as the rates of smoking have declined. Smoking also causes 15 other cancers.
The next most prevalent cancers in Canada are breast, prostate and colorectal.
How to cut cancer risk by one third
Based on the most recent research, Nuttall says Canadians could minimize as much of a third of these other cancers by not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active.
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