Updated September 25, 2008

"Even a few severe sunburns increase your chances of getting skin cancer."
Sonia Lamont, BC Cancer Agency Prevention Programs

Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays causes skin damage that can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. And exposure to UV light from tanning beds can also cause skin cancer. In fact, there are no safe tanning beds.

Because many cases of serious skin cancer begin with childhood sunburns, sun safety for kids is especially important. Follow the links on the left to learn how to protect yourself from harmful sun exposure.