title: Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 2: Primary Prevention of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC), represents the most common malignancy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding primary prevention of NMSC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Structured literature searches were conducted, using search terms including prevention, sunscreen, and sun prevention factor. All recommendations concern guidance that physicians should regularly discuss with their patients to help establish photoprotection habits. The GRADE system was used to assign strength to each recommendation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ultraviolet exposure is the major modifiable risk factor for NMSC. Aspects of photoprotection, including effective sunscreen use and avoidance of both the midday sun and artificial tanning, are discussed. Several widespread misunderstandings that undermine responsible public health measures related to sun safety are addressed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Photoprotection represents both an individual priority and a public health imperative. By providing accurate information during routine patient visits, physicians reinforce the need for ongoing skin cancer prevention.
authors.affiliation: Kirk Barber Research, Calgary, AB, Canada University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada kirk@kirkbarber.ca.
authors.forename: Kirk
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.affiliation: Searles Dermatology and Aesthetics, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Gordon E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Searles
authors.affiliation: Dermatrials Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vender
authors.affiliation: SCRIPT, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Hwee
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teoh
authors.affiliation: SCRIPT, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ashkenas
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: artificial tanning; photodamage; photoprotection; sunscreen