“More men are diagnosed than women,” Katz said.
In 2024, an estimated 11,300 Canadians (6,500 men compared to 4,800 women) received a melanoma diagnosis. And about 1,300 people (850 men and 440 women) died from it.
These figures represent a 17 per cent increase from 2023.
And people who work outdoors are up to 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer overall.
The main risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Prevention comes down to three ways of blocking out sun rays.
One strategy, which would be challenging for producers, is to stay out of the sun during peak UV hours, which fall between 11am and 3pm.
The second way to protect oneself from the sun is with sunscreen.
“Ideally an SPF 30 or higher,” Katz said. “And remember to apply in areas like behind the ears and back of the neck, and to reapply every two hours. And when purchasing sunscreen look for the ones that are UVA and UVB broad spectrum.”
The third way to prevent melanoma is to cover up.
Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and wraparound sunglasses with UV protection are good places to start.
“You can buy UPF clothing and it’s fantastic to keep the sun’s rays away,” Katz said.
A UPF 50 fabric, for example, can block 98 per cent of the sun’s rays.
People who are highly exposed to the sun should also be diligent in checking for signs of melanoma.
Self-checks boil down to the A,B,C,D, and Es of melanoma, Katz said.
Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation photo.
A stands for asymmetry.
B is for borders.
“You’re looking for a jagged border, or fuzzy, or bleeding,” she said.
C stands for colour.
A mole with multiple colours in it could be an indication of melanoma.
“If it’s got blacks, browns, blues, reds, that would be something to look out for,” she said.
D is for diameter. Any mole larger than the size of a pencil eraser could be a sign a visit to a doctor is required.
And E is for evolution.
“Look for a mole that changes, crusts, bleeds or grows,” she said.
In addition, for people with multiple moles on their bodies, Katz recommends looking for the “ugly duckling” on the body.
“If one stands out and doesn’t look like all the others, that could be a sign of concern,” she said.
The earlier the melanoma is caught, the better the outcome.
In Canada, the 5-year net survival rate for melanoma skin cancer is 89 per cent, the Canadian Cancer Society says.