Programs & Campaigns

Part of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s mandate is to offer to patients, their families and the public education on the prevention of skin cancer and other ways to maintain a lifetime of healthy skin, hair and nails. CDA’s education programs and campaigns aim to fulfill this goal.

Programs 

Started in 1989 in the face of the ever-rising incidence of skin cancer in Canada, the Sun Protection Program (SPP) and Sun Awareness Program (SAP) were set up by the CDA to work arm in arm to help prevent this disease through public education. 

In 2009, the 21^st anniversary, these two programs have witnessed much growth and great diversity both in the public awareness activities CDA organizes and in the type of product now licensed to carry the CDA logo and recognition statement.

Sun Protection Program
In 1989, with the encouragement of then Health and Welfare Canada, the Canadian Dermatology Association launched the Sun Protection Program (SPP) to recognize broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 and higher. (The minimum SPF was raised to 30 in September 2008.)

SPP takes a proactive stance in educating Canadians of all ages about protecting their skin against UV damage. Monies received from SPP contracts are used exclusively to fund public education programs on sun protection and skin cancer.

National Sun Awareness Program
The Canadian Dermatology Association has organized a nationwide Sun Awareness Week in early summer since 1989 with the purpose of educating Canadians about the dangers of too much sun in order to stop the rising incidence of skin cancer in Canada. The “Week’s” activities now extend from March to October.

The National Sun Awareness Program is launched each spring and focuses on different age groups and activities.  CDA member dermatologists generously volunteer their time each year to assist with public skin cancer screenings across the country, promoting the adoption of good sun safety practices and highlighting other important sun safety messages.

Outdoor Workers Program
In 2007, CDA launched its Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers Program, which included the production of a 50-page manual for human resources professionals to introduce a complete sun safety program for outdoor workers in their organization; a 10 minute DVD, aimed at outdoor workers, to help this group learn the facts about skin cancer and find out safe, easy ways to protect themselves; a 3-panel brochure explaining why outdoor workers have a greater risk of skin cancer; and a mid-sized poster for office notice boards or patients rooms.

Campaigns 

Featuring a unique disease or condition each year, CDA produces brochures, web content and other public education materials designed to increase awareness of the treatment and management of diseases of the skin, hair and nails.

Eczema Awareness Campaign
CDA’s first annual national skin disease awareness campaign began in September 2008 and ran until 2009. The eczema campaign was launched on Baffin Island with the Ottawa Dermatological Society (the first ever medical meeting held in Nunavut) because of the high incidence of eczema within the Inuit community.

Acne and Rosacea Awareness Campaigns
Launched the in fall of 2009 and carrying through to spring 2010, the Acne and Rosacea Campaigns will aim to dispel myths and misconceptions about these conditions, and provide information on their treatment and management.

Indoor Tanning is Out Campaign
Lanched in February 2010, the campaign targets young women with the message that indoor tanning is not as safe as they think.