Junior & High School Presentation - Speakers Notes
Directions are in italics. There is additional information presented below
(also in italics) which you can use to supplement the PowerPoint slides.
You should also be “actively” reading the information presented on each of
the slides, as well as the information presented in these instructions. Make
sure one of the presenters pays attention to where you are in the
presentation, because only these instructions have the answers to the pop
quiz questions!
If you received prizes (i.e. UV bracelets, sunscreen samples etc.), get the
students to put up their hands during the quizzes and the first one with the
correct answer will get a prize.
BEFORE the presentation:
Introduction: Who you are, what faculty you’re from, and why you think
this presentation is important!
Warn them that there are a few pictures that some people might find
upsetting. Tell them that you will warn them before you put up the slide and
that they don’t have to look.
Tell them to pay attention, because there are quizzes involved.
Start the presentation
SLIDE 1: Intro Slide
Inform the students that this presentation has been brought to them by the
Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation.
SLIDE 2: Objectives
Read through the objectives, indicating that each of these points will be
covered throughout the presentation.
SLIDES 3-5: The Layers of the Skin
Read off the slides.
The skin is composed of 3 layers:
1) Epidermis – the skin’s surface
 Important to note that darkening of the skin (i.e. getting a
tan) only provides and SPF of 2 which is not enough!
 It is important to always wear a sunscreen with at least
an SPF of 30
2) Dermis – middle layer; contains collagen & elastic fibers
3) Hypodermis - The hypodermis is not involved in skin cancer,
 It just contains fat cells and blood vessels.
SLIDE 6: What Causes Skin Damage?
Read off the slides.
There are 3 different types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC
SLIDE 7: What is UV Radiation?
Read off slide.
Remember: UVA = Aging, UVB = Burning
ALL THREE TYPES OF UV RAYS CAUSE SKIN CANCER!!!
You can easily check what the daily UV index is by simply visiting a local
weather network website
A UV index of 6 or higher is considered dangerous
Remember: UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds on a
cloudy day – so it is always important to wear a sunscreen with SPF
30 or higher while outside
SLIDE 8: What Happens When Skin is Damaged?
Read off slide.
SLIDE 9: Sunburns
Read off slide.
Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing
Melanoma later in life.
SLIDES 10-11: Photoaging
Read off slide. Remember: A tan today = wrinkles tomorrow!
Emily Picture: Does anyone think this is a good look?
 It looks as though she is wearing pants but that is indeed her
skin turned ‘leathery’ due to years of tanning. We think the
kid’s facial expression says it all!
SLIDE 12: Pop Quiz #1
1. What are the three layers of the skin?
Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis
2. Which type of cells make melanin?
Melanocytes
3. Which UV rays cause skin cancer?
ALL OF THEM!! (UV A, B, and C)
4. What does a sunburn indicate?
Sign of massive skin damage due to UV rays. (i.e. inflammation)
SLIDE 13: Dear 16 Year Old Me – Video
Play video. Created by the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund.
IMPORTANT: There is a ‘swear’ word at around 2:17 so be aware of that!
You may need to mute the sound at this time if the teacher finds the language
inappropriate.
SLIDE 14: How Does UV Radiation Cause Skin Cancer?
1) UV light directly damages DNA, causing mutations
The skin’s cells don’t know how to behave normally
2) It also produces activated oxygen molecules which damage DNA and
other cellular structures
The cells become confused and start to multiply quickly…..
3) It also leads to localized immunosuppression thus blocking the body’s
natural defense against cancer
Your body can’t kill these rapidly dividing cells
This eventually leads to a cancerous tumor, which can spread to other
parts of your body (ie. metastasizes)
SLIDES 15-16: Why Is This Important To You?
Read off the slides.
Regardless of your skin color, everyone has the potential to get skin cancer.
But the risk is highest for individuals that burn easily, are fair
skinned with blond or red hair, have lots of freckles or moles (>50),
or have a family history of skin cancer.
Remember: Fair and freckled = High Risk!!
Risk is lowest for individuals with darker skin tones, such as individuals of
African descent, Hispanics, Asians etc. (But everyone can still get skin
cancer if they don’t take the necessary sun safety precautions!)
IMPORTANT REMINDER: you should also be aware of medications
(often acne medications) that increase your sensitivity to UV rays.
Emphasize that you are going to teach them how to prevent themselves from
developing skin cancer and becoming another statistic.
Remember: Skin cancer IS preventable!
SLIDE 17: Skin Cancer
What is the most common form of skin cancer?
Answer: A) Basal Cell Carcinoma
We will discuss all three types of skin cancer in this presentation – starting
with Basal Cell Carcinoma.
SLIDES 18-20: Basal Cell Carcinoma
Warn the students that some of the following pictures are graphic.
Read off slides.
The incidence rate of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) increases as people get
older because sun exposure is cumulative over time. (I.e. They have spent
more time in the sun overall).
BCC Close-Up Picture (SLIDE 22): Tell the students that BCC can take
many forms but the most common form looks like this
SLIDES 21-23: Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Read off slides.
SCC Close-Up Picture: SCC’s look like this with bleeding in the middle
SLIDES 24-26: Melanoma
Read off slides.
Melanoma is less common than Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma’s
BUT it is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths – because it is very
difficult to treat.
SLIDE 27: Canadian Skin Cancer Statistics 2011
Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common
types of skin cancer – BUT they are often treated successfully and account
for very few deaths.
Read off the 2011 stats (5600 new cases of melanoma and 950 deaths) and
compare them to the 2010 stats (5300 new cases of melanoma and 920
deaths).
IMPORTANT: Make sure the students notice that the numbers are
continuing to rise – which is why we are here to talk to them today.
SLIDE 28: Melanoma Facts
Read off slide.
Emphasize that melanoma kills more young people (ages 25-30) than any
other cancer. This is attributable to such social behaviors as seeking a tan.
It is very important that for men and women to be aware of the risks
associated with tanning and using tanning beds – IF people don’t change
their behavior and start practicing sun safety these numbers will continue to
rise.
SLIDE 29: How Can You Spot a Cancerous Mole?
Answers: A, C and D
SLIDES 30-35: The ABCDE’s of Early Detection
Please go through these slides carefully! The ABCDE’s of detection are one
of the MOST important skin cancer prevention techniques.
Skin cancer can appear in places where the skin is rarely exposed to the sun,
so it is important to have someone help check places like the back and scalp.
Asymmetry – if the lesion is not symmetrical
Draw a line down the middle of the mole and compare the left to the
right
Border – if it has an uneven or irregular border
Color – if it has a variety of hues and colors
Diameter – if it has a diameter of greater than 6 mm
I.e. larger than the head of a pencil eraser
Evolving – if it is changing (this is the most important!)
Look for changes in your moles over time
Reinforce that getting to know your skin through self-examination is
important because it allows you to spot changes!
Emphasize the importance of the ABCDE’s of detection: Look for
asymmetry, border, color, diameter of the mole and if it is evolving (i.e.
changing).
Normal moles should be symmetrical with a smooth border, be one
solid color and be smaller than the size of a pencil eraser (<6mm).
SLIDE 36: Spot the Bad Mole
Ask the student’s which mole you should have a doctor look at?
Answer: B and E. Because they are Asymmetrical, they have irregular
Borders and have more than one Color
Reinforce the fact that sometimes it’s hard to tell a dangerous mole from a
harmless one, so “when in doubt – get it checked out!”
SLIDE 37: Pop Quiz #2
1. Which type of cancer has the fastest growing incidence rate?
Skin cancer
2. Which is the most deadly type of skin cancer?
Melanoma
3. What are the ABCDE’s of mole detection?
Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter (bigger than the tip of a pencil eraser),
Evolving (i.e. changing)
Remind students to check their skin head-to-toe every 2 months in order to
monitor their moles. If you spot an odd looking mole, get it checked by your
family doctor.
SLIDE 38: Artificial Tanning – show video
SLIDE 39: By A Show Of Hands…
By a show of hands, ask the students to answer the questions on the slide
(reminding them that they do not have to answer if they don’t want to, but by
participating it helps us to get an idea of the amount of tanning bed usage).
If there are tanning bed users in the class ask them to pay special attention
in the next few slides and hopefully we can convince them to think twice
before using a tanning bed again in the future.
SLIDES 40-41: Artificial Tanning
Read off Slides.
An increased risk of 75% is HUGE and can easily be prevented by avoiding
tanning beds altogether.
FACT: Using an artificial tanning bed even 10 times increases your risk of
developing melanoma by 50%.
In fact, Alberta Health Services recently initiated a coalition against tanning
called “Indoor Tanning is Out.” They hope to change Alberta legislation so
that tanning beds cannot be used by children under 18 years of age.
SLIDES 42 - 45: Artificial Tanning – Common Misconceptions
Read off Slides.
Most of the students will have probably heard at least one of these
misconceptions so it is important to educate them!
In North America, the sun is not intense enough during the winter months to
meet the body’s Vitamin D needs - so oral supplements are often
recommended in winter (especially for people with darker skin tones).
IMPORTANT NOTE: oral supplements are a cheaper and much safer
alternative than using tanning beds
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at a certain
time of the year - usually in the darker, colder months of the year (i.e.
winter). A SAD light is used as a form of treatment to mimic outdoor light.
The bottom line is that tanning beds are NOT safe. They are associated with
an increased risk of skin cancer. Indoor tanning is a risky behavior that
should be stopped.
SLIDE 46: The Alternative Tan
Read Slide.
Many people (including celebrities) are switching to topical sunless tanning
lotions which are completely safe. The only risk they present is skin
irritation or allergic reactions.
Sunless tanning products can be bought in various stores or offered as a
“spray on tan” at certain salons.
Remind students to hold their breath if opting for a “spray on tan” in order
to avoid breathing in the chemicals.
NOTE: We want students to be comfortable with their natural skin tone –
but if they feel the need to look ‘tanned’ getting a ‘spray on tan’ is a much
safer option than using a tanning bed.
SLIDE 47: Pop Quiz #3- Were You Listening?
True or False
1. Artificial Tanning does NOT cause cancer because it uses only UVA
light.
FALSE - UVA light has also been associated with increasing your cancer
risk. (Remember UVA = aging!)
2. You can get enough Vitamin D during the winter months from various
types of food or oral supplements.
TRUE - You only require small amounts of light to make Vitamin D, plus
Vitamin D is found in a variety of foods including: fortified dairy products,
fatty fish or egg yolks, as well as oral supplements. These supplements can
be found at any local drug store!
3. An alternative to tanning salons are self-tanning products containing
DHA.
TRUE – This is a risk free way of getting a tan.
4. Artificial tanning is good because it gives you “base tan”, before
sunbathing season begins.
FALSE - DNA damage occurs before you get your tan, so you are not
preventing damage you are actually causing it! Plus, a base tan does not
protect you from the sun’s rays, it only provides you with a SPF of 2-4. You
require a minimum SPF of 30 to protect yourself from burning.
SLIDES 48-50: Treatment of Skin Cancer
Warn students that some of the following images are a bit graphic.
Read off slides.
Surgery is required to remove cancerous lesions and the tissue surrounding
them, this can leave behind a large and disfiguring scar.
It is important to check your moles every 2 months so that you can catch any
forms of skin cancer in the early stages. If diagnosed and removed early, all
forms of skin cancer may be curable. THIS IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR
YOU TO KNOW ABOUT SKIN CANCER AND TO LOOK FOR IT ON A
REGULAR BASIS!
_____________________________________________________________
SLIDE 51: Prevention is Key!
Read off slide.
It is important to not only protect yourselves but also your other family
members, friends and future children. Research shows that using an SPF 30
sunscreen throughout childhood and adolescence could reduce the risk of
some skin cancers by almost 80%!!!
SLIDE 52: Sun Safe Attitude!
Read Slide.
We do not want to scare the students from spending time outside but we
want to remind them to be aware of the risks and to use various methods of
prevention when outside.
The sun’s rays at are their strongest from 10am – 4pm. Extra protection
should be taken during this time frame (i.e. sun glasses, sunscreen, hat etc.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays and actually
increase your overall UV exposure. Therefore it is very important to wear
sunscreen when skiing to avoid “goggle tans.” Even if it is cloudy outside!
SLIDE 53: Cover Up!
Read Slide.
You must buy sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. This
should be listed right on the tag. Watch out for and avoid sunglasses that do
not offer this protection! (UV absorption up to 400nm is the same as 100%
UV absorption).
SLIDE 54: Use Sunscreen!
Use a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB and has a SPF of at
least 30.
Also remind the class to be aware of sunscreen expiration dates!
SLIDE 55: Sunscreen Application
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out doors to allow for
penetration into the skin. As you saw earlier UV rays can reach deep into
the skin (dermis layer).
Need to use at least 1 ounce of sunscreen in order to effectively cover your
whole body - this is the equivalent to a shot glass full of sunscreen! (About
the same as ~2 tablespoons or 30 mL).
A ‘large’ bottle of sunscreen is around 240 mL which means that if
used properly you should get about 8 full body applications out of it.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. This is very important - once a day is not
enough. Especially if you are engaging in physical activity or water sports!
(Look for water-proof or sweat-proof sunscreens)
Sunscreens do let through some UV radiation so you should still be aware of
the risks.
**If you were provided with a bottle of sunscreen (as a prize), show the
students where to look on the bottle to determine if it is protective against
UVA and UVB radiation, and what SPF it is.*
SLIDE 56: Self Examination
A yearly skin examination by a doctor should be coupled with monthly selfexaminations. Remember to check your skin regularly every 2 months.
In men melanoma occurs more often on the shoulders and upper back.
In women melanoma more commonly develops on the legs.
REMEMBER: to use your ABCDE’s. If you spot something suspicious, get
it looked at by a family doctor or dermatologist.
SLIDE 57: Pop Quiz #4 – Last One!
1. Who is at risk of developing skin cancer?
Everyone!
But the risk is highest for individuals that burn easily, are fair
skinned with blond or red hair, have lots of freckles or moles (>50),
or have a family history of skin cancer.
2. What four main things can you do to prevent skin cancer?
(1) Minimizing sun exposure and avoiding the sun during 10am to 4pm
(2) Covering yourself up with long sleeves, tightly woven clothing, widebrimmed hat, and sunglasses
(3) Wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30, preferably “broad spectrum”(i.e.
protects against UVA & UVB)
(4) Examining yourself from head to toe every 2 months - REMEMBER your
ABCDE’s.
SLIDE 58-60: Wrap up and Questions?
If you are unable to answer any of the students/teachers questions, please
contact the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation via E-mail and we will do our
best to provide you with answers.
Remind the students that information is an important prevention tool. By
simply checking their moles and engaging in other prevention methods they
can help save their life!
Invite students to visit www.igosafe.ca/education to review what they have
learned today and receive their certificate of participation to show their
parents and their teachers.
Thank the sponsors and give out any remaining prizes or educational
materials. YOU’RE DONE!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING!