Related Experiment Video For humans
Updated: May 10, 2025
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Evaluating UV exposure and skin cancer prevention behaviours in Canada: a national population-based cross-sectional
Amina Moustaqim-Barrette1, Hibo Rijal2, Santina Conte1
1McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Introduction:
Cutaneous melanoma is a common cancer with increasing incidence and significant economic burden. Sun-protective behaviours are crucial in addressing UV-related skin cancer risk and are responsive to public health intervention. This study provides a comprehensive overview of recent prevalence and trends in sun protection and UV exposure in Canada.
Methods:
Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), we examined sun-protective behaviours and UV exposure in a sample of over 77 000 individuals aged ≥18 years during 2011-2018. The analysis employed multivariable logistic regression, considering factors including age, sex, income and immigration status, with results weighted to reflect the Canadian population. We further evaluated temporal trends in UV exposure and sun-protective practices from 2007 to 2018.
Results:
Age, sex, income and immigration status significantly influenced sun-protective behaviours. One-third (33.3%) of respondents reported having had a sunburn in the past 12 months, and most reported irregular or 'never use' of sunscreen on their body (64.3%) and face (58.1%). Women had significantly higher odds of using sunscreen on their body and face compared with men (OR 2.85, 95% CI 2.68 to 3.03 and OR 4.22, 95% CI 3.96 to 4.49, respectively). Individuals in the highest income quintile were similarly more likely to use sunscreen on their body and face than those in the lowest income quintile (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.04 and OR 2.45, 95% CI 2.10 to 2.86, respectively). Temporal trends demonstrated an increasing prevalence of spending 2 hours or more in the sun and a decreasing trend in the use of any sunscreen on the body and face.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight disparities in sun protection linked to demographic factors. Public health strategies should target high-risk groups to enhance sun-protective behaviours and reduce melanoma incidence. Future interventions must address these disparities to improve skin cancer prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Some...
01:35Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:38Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity