May is Melanoma Awareness Month.
It’s important to recognize the dangers of UV exposure because even though skin cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early, it still remains one of the most common forms of cancer in Canada.
Skin cancer is caused by UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds. The best way to protect yourself is to limit UV exposure by:
- avoiding the sun between 10 am and 2 pm.
- always using sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days.
- reapplying sunscreen after swimming, sweating or a few hours outside.
- wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection.
- never using a tanning bed.
Another way to protect yourself from melanoma is through early detection. You should be examining your moles every month using the ABCDE method:
- Asymmetrical – If you drew an imaginary line through the mole, do they not line up?
- Borders – Are edges uneven, scalloped or notched?
- Colour – Are there shade/colour differences?
- Diameter – Is the mole bigger than 6mm?
- Evolution – Has there been a change in appearance?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you should make an appointment with a doctor who specializes in skin cancer and is trained to spot melanoma at early stages.
During Melanoma Awareness Month, make sure you take the time to learn about how to prevent skin cancer and the early signs of melanoma. This is also a good time to assess your insurance needs and think about how a cancer diagnosis would affect your family and finances.
Hudson’s Bay Financial Services offers affordable Critical Illness Insurance that can help pay your bills related to your living expenses or recovery expenses after you suffer a critical illness. In addition, you’ll be able to earn up to 2,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points upon enrolment for insurance coverage and 4,000 Rewards points for paying your premium due at your annual renewal.1
Affordable insurance is available online at affordable rates.
Critical Illness Insurance is offered by Hudson’s Bay Financial Services and is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Chubb Life”). This information is for general information purposes only. Actual coverage is determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular loss and the terms and conditions of the policy as issued.
Chubb Life is part of the Chubb group of companies. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. Chubb Limited, the parent company of Chubb, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.
1 Earn 2,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points at enrolment and 4,000 Rewards points annually.