Sunscreen is not the only protection from cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays. Shade is also important.
A typical beach bag might contain sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. These items are essential for the long, sunny days of summer. The right physical shade also offers optimal UV protection, lowering the risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.
"Natural shade and built shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 90 per cent," says Suzanna Kaptur, a community planner with Fraser Health and Provincial Shade Working Group member. "If you're under a very large tree and wearing sunscreen, it's possible to get close to 100 per cent protection from ultraviolet radiation exposure."
Seeking out shady spots from natural objects or human-made structures is important for reducing exposure to UV rays and preventing heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
"People may not realize it, but there is a lot of thought that goes into the placement of shade," says Suzanna. "For example, in a city, you'll find sunny and shaded playgrounds, with the shaded spaces offering protection from both heat-related illness and skin damage from UV radiation, which children are vulnerable to."
"Serious sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of melanoma later in life, with as few as five sunburns in childhood doubling the risk," according to the BC Cancer Shade Lookbook. "Additionally, children spend more time outdoors compared to adults, so providing sun safe and heat resilient settings for this group is critical."
The good news is that most skin cancers are preventable if you limit UV exposure.
"There are some simple ways to create shade," says Suzanna. "You can move a picnic table or children's playthings under trees or trim lower branches off of trees to create space so people and tables can fit underneath."
If you don't have trees, hedges or natural shade, consider creating shade with a large umbrella, pergola or shade sail. Like the sail on a boat, a shade sail is a piece of flexible fabric anchored with tension at the same height to create a sail. Fabrics come in a variety of colours and offer UV protection.
Try to reduce your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – when the sun's rays are strongest – or when the UV Index is three or higher.
For more tips on staying safe in the sun, visit our webpage.