Okanagan cities are popular destinations for tourists during the summer months, but with that popularity comes some risks. One of the biggest risks is sun exposure, which can lead to melanoma and skin cancer. In response to this, Penticton has declared May as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and has installed sunscreen dispensers at key locations around the city. Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield emphasized the importance of protecting one’s skin with sunscreen, especially as temperatures rise.
These sunscreen dispensers are touchless and automatic, providing free SPF 30 sunscreen that is Health Canada approved. The sunscreen is zinc oxide based and free from harmful chemicals and allergens like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Kathy Barnard, a stage 4 melanoma survivor and founder of Save Your Skin Foundation, highlighted the importance of sun safety, especially among young people who may not take it seriously. Despite rising incidence rates of skin cancer, many Canadians are still not taking the necessary precautions when spending time in the sun.
In 2022, over 80,000 Canadians were diagnosed with skin cancer, with 8,700 cases being new melanoma cases. Tragically, over 1,300 individuals lost their lives to melanoma that year. These statistics highlight the seriousness of skin cancer and the importance of prevention. By providing free sunscreen dispensers at popular locations in Penticton, the city hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and encourage residents and tourists to protect their skin.
The partnership between Save Your Skin Foundation and Penticton is aimed at educating the public about skin cancer prevention and providing easy access to sunscreen. By placing sunscreen dispensers at locations like Tourism Penticton, the Penticton Chamber of Commerce, Barefoot Beach Resort, Skaha Meadows Golf Course, and Penticton Speedway, the city is making it convenient for people to protect their skin while enjoying outdoor activities in the summer. These dispensers offer a simple and effective way to ensure that everyone has access to sunscreen when they need it.
Despite the availability of free sunscreen dispensers and increased awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, many Canadians are still not taking sun safety seriously. With incidence rates of skin cancer on the rise every year, it is crucial for individuals to protect their skin and take the recommended precautions when spending time outdoors. By promoting Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and providing free sunscreen dispensers, Penticton is taking proactive steps to address this issue and reduce the number of skin cancer cases in the community.
Overall, the efforts of Penticton to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and provide free sunscreen dispensers are commendable. By partnering with organizations like Save Your Skin Foundation, the city is taking important steps to educate the public about the risks of sun exposure and make it easier for people to protect their skin. With skin cancer being highly preventable, it is crucial for individuals to take sun safety seriously and use sunscreen regularly, especially during the hot summer months in Okanagan cities. By working together to promote sun safety, residents and tourists can enjoy the outdoors while reducing their risk of developing skin cancer.
