It's hard not to take advantage of the sunny summer days.
But even though skin cancer is directly related to ultraviolet light exposure, it seems an alarming number of people aren't protecting themselves against the sun's harmful rays.
The worst offenders, are teenagers and young adults, according to a Canadian Cancer Society sun survey, which was released Thursday
"So 40 percent in the age group 16-24 are not practicing safe sun protection," said Sharon Storoschuk, the Canadian Cancer Society's manager of health promotion for B.C. and the Yukon,
That's a concern because it's also the age group that spends the most time outside.
At least half in this group work outdoors and 30 per cent of 16-24 year olds get sunburned at least once a summer.
That can have long term consequences.
"We know that skin cancer is the most common cancer and it's on the rise. Any sun burn or skin damage you get before age 18 increases your risk quite a bit in the present and in the long term,'' Storoschuk said.
Still, there was some good news in the survey.
Parents did a good job of protecting infants and small children from the sun.
And seniors over 65 did well staying out of the sun and using sun protection.
The Cancer Society says the results provide insight for health groups and policy makers and will hopefully remind sun worshippers to stay safe.
"Protect yourself by covering up, stay in the shade, not being out between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., wearing sunscreen of SPF of 15,'' said Storoschuk
Because sun burnt skin is damaged skin, which can one day lead to skin cancer.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low.
