Scientific Series: Dr. Ivan Litvinov

Fair complexion, UV exposure and history of sunburns as a child or adolescent remain critical risk factors for this disease. Hence, promoting sun protection in youth is vital to decrease individual risk of Cutaneous Melanoma (CM) in the adulthood. CM's incidence is growing at an alarming rate in Canada. In 2024 alone, ~11,300 new cases will be diagnosed, and 1,300 of CM-related-deaths are expected; about a 3-fold increase in the past three decades. Despite the rapid increase in incidence, many adolescents/young adults remain either unaware of the dangerous effects of sun exposure or apathetic towards sun safety measures knowingly exposing themselves to harmful UV radiation. Unfortunately, previous efforts in Canada (SunSense, BeSunSafe, The Big Burn, etc.) have not produced the desired results. Studies continue to report lack of awareness of CM in the Canadian population. A survey of >3,000 Canadians indicated that <50% of respondents were practicing "safe sun" habits.…