New Article – Investigating Skin Cancer Risk and Sun Safety Practices Among LGBTQ+ Communities in Canada

Posted on December 19, 2024 by pathwp

Congratulations to Dr. François Lagacé, Dr. Ivan Litvinov and team on their new article, “Investigating Skin Cancer Risk and Sun Safety Practices Among LGBTQ+ Communities in Canada.” Participants from Atlantic PATH and the Manitoba Tomorrow Project were invited to participate in the SunFit study led by Dr. Litvinov at McGill University. Skin cancer prevention requires effective sun safety practices. Previous studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals exhibit lower sunscreen use and higher tanning bed usage compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. This SunFit study is the first to assess skin cancer risk factors, sun-protective behaviors, and skin cancer concerns among LGBTQ+ participants across Canada.

The sunscreen paradox: McGill University researchers warn of ‘false sense of security’

Posted on October 25, 2023 by pathwp

The sunscreen paradox: McGill University researchers warn of ‘false sense of security’ “Sunscreen is important, says Dr. Ivan Litvinov, but it is also the least effective way to protect your skin when compared to sun protective clothing and sun avoidance.” “Sunscreen usage is climbing, but so are melanoma and skin cancer rates: this, researchers say, is the sunscreen paradox. The problem is that people use sunscreen as a ‘permission slip’ to tan,” said Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chair of the Dermatology Division at McGill University.” The SunFit study includes Atlantic PATH participants and is highlighted in a new article from McGill University News: https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/sunscreen-paradox-mcgill-university-researchers-warn-false-sense-security-352205

Melanoma Risk in Atlantic Canada

Posted on August 22, 2023September 7, 2023 by pathwp

New work from Dr. Ivan Litvinov and Dr. François Lagacé at McGill University includes Atlantic PATH participants and highlights why Atlantic Canadians are at higher risk for developing melanoma (skin cancer). The SunFit project conducted focus groups in 22 communities across Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have the highest rates of melanoma in the country, while rates in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador are in line with the Canadian average. The team compared UV exposure and relevant behavioural factors and found that higher-income participants had an increased risk, but that participants with a lower income were more likely to work outdoors and experience occupational sun exposure which increases their risk of developing melanoma. Further, females had less sun exposure and higher rates of sunscreen use compared to males. Additional information: Dr. Litvinov was interviewed on CBC’s Maritime Noon. “N.S. and P.E.I. have higher rats of skin cancer than national average. Here’s why.” August 22, 2023. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/maritimes-skin-cancer-national-average-1.6943582?cmp=rss) McGill University News Room. “Why men, wealthy people and maritime residents are more likely to develop skin cancer.” August 22, 2023. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/why-men-wealthy-people-and-maritime-residents-are-more-likely-develop-skin-cancer-349697 Chronicle Herald article. “Dermatologist probes skin cancer rates.” September 7, 2023. https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/281552295441450