Kristen Sanderson is telling other teens how she nearly learned the sun-cancer message too late. ”I thought skin cancer was something that only happened to people my mother’s age,” said Kristen, the 19-year-old cancer survivor featured on the posters. “I was a shocked to find out that people my age can develop skin cancer.”

The BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) and the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) are teaming up to tell people that the incidence of skin cancers is increasing and scientific evidence points to early ultra violet (UV) radiation exposure as a key factor. One reason for the rise is that, to look attractive and healthy, tanning has increased in popularity– but looks can be deceiving. Scientific studies have shown that excess natural and artificial light from tanning beds cause wrinkles, sagging and skin cancer.

“The earlier that skin is exposed to harmful UV rays the more opportunity for skin damage to occur,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, VIHA Chief Medical Health Officer. “We see youth not even old enough to vote presenting with skin cancers.”

The ads will appear on buses and in bus shelters across the island from April 1 through May 31. The ads can also be seen on a new sun tips Web site located at www.suntips.ca. The site is hosted by the BCCA to profile the ads and provide prevention tips and other sun awareness information to youth. BCCA offers a number of sun awareness and skin cancer prevention programs, particularly aimed at children and youth to help prevent skin damage before it occurs.

“Preventing cancer is preferable to treating it,” said Dr. David McLean, BC Cancer Agency’s Head of Prevention. “Protecting young people from the sun can greatly reduce their lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.”