Summer in Canada means long days, sunny skies, and any excuse to be outside. But while we’re chasing Vitamin D, many of us are forgetting one important thing—our skin.

A new national study published by BMJ Public Health1 looked at over 77,000 adults across Canada and found that a surprising number of us are still making risky choices when it comes to sun safety. The result? Too many sunburns, not enough sunscreen, and some big gaps in who’s getting protected.

The Numbers (And Why They Matter)

Here’s what the study found:

  • 1 in 3 Canadians got a sunburn in 2024
  • 64% rarely or never use sunscreen on their body
  • 58% skip sunscreen on their face
  • Young adults (18–29) spend the most time in the sun, and are least likely to wear protective clothing
  • Women are more likely to wear sunscreen, but also more likely to use tanning beds
  • Higher-income Canadians use sunscreen more often, while lower-income Canadians face more barriers
  • Indigenous people, immigrants, and visible minorities are less likely to use sunscreen, but more likely to wear long clothing for protection

These numbers aren’t just interesting—they’re serious! Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada. Melanoma, the most dangerous, is usually caused by too much UV exposure. The good news, it’s one of the most preventable cancers; but only if we start taking it seriously!

How to Protect Yourself from UV Exposure

You don’t need to avoid the sun completely, but a few simple habits can make a huge difference:

  • Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day—even when it’s cloudy
  • Reapply every 2 hours, or more often, especially after swimming or sweating
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses
  • Cover up with UPF protective clothing, or a thick woven fabric
  • Stick to the shade between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., peak UV hours
  • And please—skip the tanning beds

These are small steps, but they help prevent sunburns, reduce your risk of skin cancer, and should be implemented for adults and kids alike.


Want to Do More? Here’s How You Can Help

At Melanoma Canada, we’re working to make sun safety more accessible for everyone—not just those who can afford it.

  • The Sun Guardians Grant Program brings sunscreen, sun-protective gear, and shade solutions to camps, daycares, and youth programs across the country. Learn more or donate at sunguardians.ca.
  • BurnWatch trains “Burn Guards”—kind of like lifeguards, but for sun safety instead of water safety. More people die from melanoma than drowning each year. Let’s change that! Visit burnwatch.ca.
  • The Mole Mobile, presented by Neutrogena®, offers skin cancer screenings and education from coast to coast. No appointment needed. Check upcoming stops or support the tour at molemobile.ca.

The Bottom Line

Skin cancer is preventable—but only if we protect ourselves and help others do the same. This summer, take a moment to check your sun habits. Talk to your kids, your friends, or your colleagues. And if you can, support programs that bring sun safety tools to the people who need them most. Let’s make sun protection something everyone in Canada has access to.

 

1Amina Moustaqim-Barrette, Hibo Rijal, Santina Conte, Mahan Maazi, Johnny Hanna, Alexandra Sarah Victoria Kelly, Alicia Belaiche, Alyson McKenna, Sandra Pelaez, François Lagacé, Ivan V Litvinov – Evaluating UV exposure and skin cancer prevention behaviours in Canada: a national population-based cross-sectional study: BMJ Public Health 2025;3:e001983.