Pharmacists
Become a Sun Health Advocate!
Sun safety matters
A role for pharmacists
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. It is also the most preventable. Almost all skin cancers (90%) are caused by exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun and from indoor tanning devices. Exposure to UVR can also cause damage to the eyes.
As trusted and accessible health care professionals, Pharmacists have a role to play in the prevention of skin cancer by educating their patients about sun safety.
Sun Smart Tools
Information you can use
Sometimes a little reminder goes a long way. Sun Smart has developed a small handout to staple or stuff inside of a prescription bag with information about sun safety relevant for families.
Download the guide
Sun Smart Saskatchewan has also developed a guide for Pharmacy students and interns who may be interacting with patients about sun safety.
The purpose of this guide is to empower Pharmacy students and interns with the most up to date information they need to educate patients and others about sun safety.
This guide was developed in collaboration with the local University of Saskatchewan chapter of CAPSI, the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns.
Advice for patients
What you can do
Pharmacists have many opportunities to provide skin cancer prevention information. Some opportunities are obvious, such as when filling a prescription for photosensitive medication or when a patient asks about sunscreen. Other opportunities may not be as obvious, but by being aware and observant, pharmacists can advise patients about sun safety at relevant times.
Request a bundle of resources to distribute to your patients
