Save Your Skin begins awareness campaign
By Derek Winkler
Save Your Skin Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness of skin cancer, has begun a campaign intended to encourage cancer prevention among young people. The initiative makes use of “youth sun safety ambassadors,” free public sunscreen dispensers at parks and beaches, and a series of municipal and provincial proclamations during Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May. The effort includes the participation of rugby player Shalaya Valenzuela and will focus on advice such as wearing sunscreen, finding shade and checking the skin.
“As a professional rugby player, I spend a lot of time outdoors so I always take steps to protect my skin,” said Valenzuela. “Even in Canada, the sun's no joke. Just a small amount of exposure can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer, which can be deadly. Sun safety isn't just about avoiding burns, it's about protecting our health for the long run, on and off the field.”