SUMMER | SARAH DEVEAU

SKINCANCER

SCARE

As a fair-skinned blonde, I've always beencautious about sun exposure. Unfortunately, likemost people in the 19805, my parents weren't sodiligent. While there are plenty of photographsof my younger brother and I enjoying the beachas children, there's not a single one in which weare wearing hats or sunglasses. Instead, wesport tans and the occasional burn.

A few years ago, my brotherhad a large mole removedover concerns that it might bemelanoma. It's the most deadlyform of skin cancer. "Melanomais one of the fastest-growingcancers worldwide," says DavidBarnard, Executive Director ofSave Your Skin Foundation. "Itis one of the most frequently-diagnosed cancers in Canada,affecting 5,500 people in 2011 andcausing 950 deaths." Save YourSkin is determined to eliminatemelanoma through research andeducation, including promotingthe ABCDE guide to detectingmelanoma, which adviseschecking moles for:

AsymmetryIrregular BorderColour variationDiameter growthEvolutionMy brother knew the warning

signs, and took steps to protecthis skin.

I wasn't as lucky. Whenpersistent acne on the side of mynose plagued me through mysecond and third pregnancies,I used the topical creamssuggested by two differentdoctors, to no avail. Finally, afterweaning my youngest daughter,I insisted on an appointment

with a dermatologist. I expectedto receive a prescription forstronger medication.

Instead, I lay on thedermatologist's chair while heinjected a freezing agent intomy nose before scraping off asample. An hour later, I hadpainful stitches on my face andan appointment to undergo lasersurgery to remove what wasn'tacne at all, but skin cancer -basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tobe exact. Reverberating in myhead were the words "potentiallydisfiguring."

The most common type ofskin cancer, BCC is experiencedat some point by one in threeCanadians and is predominantlycaused by sun exposure early inlife. The warning signs of BCCand the related squamous cellcancer, are easy to miss, as thesecancers can appear as a roughpatch of skin, a small nodule or asore that doesn't heal.

"There were 74,100 newcases of non-melanoma skincancer in Canada in 2011 - thisincludes both squamous cellcarcinomas and basal cellcarcinomas," says Dr. DeniseWexler, a dermatologist inLondon, Ont. "Any non-healingskin lesion should be seen by a

Big shoes to fill: George Washington's feet were size 13. ParentsCanada.com 35

Be skin savvyIf you're worried about your skinbut don't know where to begin,

visit myskincheck.ca.This online public health campaign,

developed by La Roche-Posayand an international team of

dermatologists, has several handyfeatures, including a quiz that helps

you identify your personal risk ofdeveloping skin cancer. It offers tips

to help you evaluate your molesand a mole tracker so you can

monitor any changes of your moles.Includes sun sensible tips and a

dermatologist finder.

Got teens?Watch Dear 16-Year-Old Me, a video

produced by the David CornfieldMelanoma Fund, at dcmf.ca. Full ofstories from skin cancer survivors,

the video provides a dose of realityfor sun-lovin' youth.

family physician and referredto a dermatologist if needed.Non-melanoma skin cancerscan range from flesh coloured topink, can be smooth with tinyblood vessels on the surface orscaling and crusted. They oftenbleed spontaneously."

Three months laterI underwent Mohs, ormicroscopically controlledsurgery named for the doctorwho developed it. The affectedarea was frozen and thecancer removed by laser inthree excruciatingly painfulrounds. Two days later Iunderwent reconstructivesurgery. The healing processwas uncomfortable andembarrassing, with uglyscabbing that lasted for months.When it finally healed, the sideof my nose was bright red and nolonger symmetrical.

I've become a zealot whenit comes to protecting mythree daughters (and otherchildren!) from sun exposure.Sometimes other parents waveoff my concerns, claiming "theyneed their vitamin D." I usedto think that, too. Now I knowthat the Canadian DermatologyAssociation has stated thatonly very brief amounts of sun

Keep basal cellcarcinoma at bay

Research shows that much of thedamage to skin is done in the first 18years of life. Protecting skin and eyesduring this time can reduce the riskof some types of skin cancer by upto 78 percent. Practise the following

tips, courtesy of SaveYourSkin.ca, toensure your children are protected:

• Keep your baby in the shade.Unprotected baby skin can sunburn in10 minutes or less. A bad sunburn ina small infant can be very serious and

have lifelong consequences.

• Before the age ofthree, keep sunexposure to a minimum. Sunscreen

does not provide adequateprotection.

• After age three, use sunscreenwith an SPF of 15+ or highter. You

may think a tan looks healthy, but it isis an outward sign of internal

skin damage.

exposure is required to maintainoptimal vitamin D levels.

"Most people receive enoughUVB from the sun to enableVitamin D synthesis simply bygoing about their daily activitiesespecially during spring andsummer months," says Dr.Wexler. "During the winter,those concerned about vitaminD levels can take 1,000 units ofvitamin D supplements a day. Iwould never suggest improvingvitamin D production bytanning, as this increases the riskof skin cancer."

David Barnard agrees. "Thereare many options for lightbreathable sun-safe clothing,organic sunscreens, and naturalvitamin D sources. It's neverbeen easier to protect oneselffrom harmful UV rays."

When I look in the mirrorI'm reminded of the importanceof protecting my children fromsun exposure and detecting skincancer in the early stages. I hopemy story will serve as a reminderfor you to protect your childrenfrom sun exposure. OCalgary writer Sarah Deveau is a frequentcontributor to ParenrsCanadaand motherto three sunscreen-slathered daugh-ters. She is thankful for sun hats and UVswimwear.

THEBEAUTY OF

11A K KThe sun provides us with warmth, enhances ourmood and kills pathogens. However, overexposure toUV radiation could lead to sunburn, premature agingand skin cancers. Using sunscreens with protectionagainst both UVA and UVB radiation can help preventdamage. Check out the latest products designed tosupport skin health and beauty.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration with 10, 30 and 50 SPFThis non-greasy, waterproof formula was designed to provide broad-spectrumUVA and UVB protection. Features hydrating ribbons infused with silk proteinand shea butter to provide 12-hour moisture.$9.99-$10.99/180mlAVAILABLE AT: most major retailers across Canada.

Coppertone Sport Face Lotion with 60 SPFSpecifically designed for the face so it won't run into your eyes, this lightweight,non-greasy formula provides effective broad-spectrum protection against bothUVA and UVB radiation.$11.99/118 mlAVAILABLE AT: drugstores, food and retail stores across Canada.

Aveeno Active Naturals Sensitive Skin Sunscreen LotionThe waterproof lotion is fragrance-free, oil-free, and hypoallergenicforeven the most sensitive skin. Contains oat extract moisturizers and 100%naturally sourced minerals for effective protection against UVA/UVB rays.$14.59-$! 7.99/88 mlAVAILABLE AT: food, drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunscreen with 60 SPFSpecially designed to be gentle on children's skin, this tear-free formula iswaterproof so it won't run into the eyes. Recommended for preschoolers,kindergarteners, elementary aged children, or anyone with sensitive skin.$11.99/240 ml lotion and 180 ml sprayAVAILABLE AT: retailers across Canada where Banana Boat products are sold.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid Lotion with 60 SPFThis lotion has a matte finish and was designed specifically for the face.The lightweight formula can be worn under makeup for everyday use.Paraben and fragrance-free, it is suitable for oily and sensitive skin types.$26/50 mlAVAILABLE AT: pharmacies across Canada.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Triple Defense with 50 SPFDesigned to combat visible signs of aging caused by UVA, UVB and IRA(infrared-A). Contains time-released antioxidants, soy proteins and peptidesto help prevent and repair environmental skin damage.$95/50 mlAVAILABLE AT: Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada.

-TANIAMACWILLIAM

36 ParentsCanada JULY 2012 The earliest form of electric shock therapy involved the use of electric eels.