Gone are the days where it was commonplace to risk one’s health to look sunkissed. While it was once popular to slather on tanning oil and lay by the pool, or to spend time toasting in a tanning bed, the public has slowly caught on to the dangers of unprotected exposure to UV rays.
Still, research from McGill University shows there is a knowledge gap among Canadian adults when it comes to exactly what’s required to prevent damage from sun exposure.
“Despite decades of public health messaging, Canadians are spending more time in the sun and using less sun protection – raising alarms among researchers as melanoma cases continue to climb,” says dermatologist Tiffany Parsons of Parsons Dermatology and Cosmetics in Sudbury. McGill’s study revealed 75 per cent of adults surveyed spent at least 30 minutes in the sun, with nearly half staying out for two hours or more. Most reported irregular or no use of sunscreen.
“Skin Cancer continues to rise in Canada,” Dr. Parsons continues. “In 2024 an estimated 11,300 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer representing an increase of 17 per cent from 2023.”
Dr. Parsons and her team are urging patients to take up the practice of mole mapping every six months. Images of a patient’s moles are taken in the clinic and reviewed by Dr. Parsons, who is able to monitor moles for any significant changes that could signal the development of cancer.
“Prevention and early detection of skin cancer is vital. We now offer mole mapping — the first of its kind in Northern Ontario — to help monitor and look for changing moles and skin cancer.”
If at the appointment Dr. Parsons notices anything concerning, surgery is done in-office the same day. All surgeries performed are covered by OHIP. The cost for mole mapping is $399 which covers full body photography and specialized mole analysis called Dermoscopy. It is important that mole mapping is done and photos are analyzed by a dermatologist as these are the only physicians with training in reading and interpreting Dermoscopy photos.
“Everyone is a candidate for mole mapping,” says Dr. Parsons. She notes that use of tanning beds and genetic factors like fair skin, red or blonde hair, light-coloured eyes, having 50 moles or more, and having a family history of melanoma are all factors that put certain individuals at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Between twice-yearly mole-mapping appointments, Dr. Parsons suggests applying sunscreen every 90 minutes while outdoors, in addition to wearing UV shirts, wide brim hats, and enjoying the weather from a shady place outside of direct exposure to UV rays.
For more information on mole mapping and how to book your first appointment, visit Parsons Dermatology online here.
