Skin cancer surging among young Canadians, data finds

Canadian dermatologists warn of rising skin cancers in 20-somethings as 40% of Gen Z still actively tan while only 22% wear daily SPF. Amanda Hicks reports.

New data from the Canadian Dermatology Association has revealed concerning statistics about young people, tanning and sunscreen use, prompting a major push for sun safety across the country. The findings have centred the association’s annual Sun Awareness campaign on Generation Z, with the data highlighting a disconnect between what young Canadians know about skin cancer and how they actually behave in the sun.

Sudbury dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Parsons said she has been concerned by what she is seeing in her own practice, particularly among patients who are decades younger than those traditionally diagnosed with certain forms of the disease.

“I’ve had a lot of young patients with the first type of skin cancer that’s the most common, which are called basal cells,” she said.

“We know basal cells are from accumulation of sun exposure. I’m seeing people in their 20s with these skin cancers.”

Melanoma on the rise

Parsons added that rates of melanoma have increased significantly across the country, with the most recent figures painting a stark picture of the growing burden of the disease.

“In 2024 in Canada, melanoma increased by 17 per cent,” she said.

“11,000 people in one year were diagnosed with melanoma, which is a significant amount and we are seeing it more and more in young patients.”

The data shows that while 79 per cent of Gen Z is worried about skin cancer, 4 out of 10 admit they are still actively trying to get a tan. Further, only 22 per cent of those surveyed wear sunscreen year-round, with health officials saying this reveals a persistent gap between awareness and action.

Mixed habits on campus

On campus at Cambrian College, students offered mixed responses regarding their daily sun safety habits, reflecting the broader tensions in the survey data.

“Every day,” student Tracy Yung said when asked how often they apply sunscreen.

Savanah Penton said she often applies sunscreen if she knows it is going to be sunny out.

“If I’m going to go somewhere where I know there’s going to be a lot of sun, I will use sunscreen,” she said. “But I don’t go tanning.”

While many students told CTV News they have completely rejected artificial tanning beds, a significant number still enjoy catching rays outside – often underestimating the risk.

“My side of the family can tan very easily. We don’t really burn,” one student said. “So, I don’t know if that’s why I don’t really wear sunscreen as often as I should, especially when I’m at camp.”

Misinformation fuels hesitation

Parsons told CTV News there is also a lot of misinformation online and that sunscreen should be applied every day. She said she believes the hesitation among young people comes down to a mix of youth invincibility and unverified online myths that have taken root through social media and other digital channels.

“I did a lot of reading on it that there’s harmful chemicals in certain types of sunscreens and that it is cancer-causing,” another student said. “So, I just stay away from it completely.”

Parsons addressed those concerns directly, stressing that the scientific consensus firmly supports the safety and efficacy of sunscreen products.

“I get the question often: ‘I’ve read that sunscreen is bad for you. I read that sunscreen could be worse than the sun.’ And this is completely wrong,” she said.

“We have very good supporting research and evidence to show that sunscreen is safe.”

Proactive protection, early detection

Parsons said spray tans, tinted sunscreens and products are safer alternatives to tanning. She said sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two to three hours to remain effective and that while wide-brimmed hats and UV-reflective clothing are excellent alternatives, they should not replace sunscreen.

She also urged young Canadians to remain vigilant about changes to their skin and to seek medical attention when something appears unusual.

“(Make sure) that if you’re seeing a mole on your skin that’s changing, it’s dark, it’s black, it looks irregular. Those are reasons to get seen and see your doctor or your nurse practitioner,” said Parsons.