Before you head to the patio, golf course, dog park or soccer sideline this May, try this: measure one full teaspoon of sunscreen into your palm.
That is the amount Health Canada recommends for the face and neck, and it is the small daily habit Kelowna-based skin cancer physician Dr. Ben Wiese wants more Okanagan residents to take seriously.
May is Melanoma Awareness Month in Canada, a reminder to talk about prevention, early detection and the choices that protect your skin before there is a problem.
Most of us believe we are doing enough. We own sunscreen. We apply it before a beach day. We remember it on vacation. But daily life in the Okanagan adds up: walking the dog, gardening, driving with sun on your face, watching weekend sports, sitting on a patio, golfing, boating or heading up the mountain in winter.
“I hear it every day,” Dr. Wiese shared. “People say, ‘I wear sunscreen,’ but they’re still seeing damage. And the reason is simple, we’re not using enough.” That is where his memorable message comes in: a teaspoon a day can help keep skin cancer away.
It sounds simple, but the point is practical. For your face, ears and neck, a dab is not enough. A quick swipe is not enough. A real, measured teaspoon is the habit.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply at least every two hours while you are outdoors. Reapply sooner after swimming, sweating or towelling off.
For exposed adult skin, Health Canada recommends about seven teaspoons, or 35 mL, total: one teaspoon for the face and neck, one for each arm, one for each leg, one for the front of the body and one for the back. And yes, this matters beyond summer. UV exposure can still affect your skin on cloudy days and in winter, especially when snow reflects sunlight.
The challenge with skin cancer is that it does not always announce itself. It may not hurt. It may not itch. It may simply look like a spot that is new, changing or different from the others. So ask yourself:
These are small questions, but they can lead to important action. The Canadian Cancer Society notes that UV radiation is linked to about 65% of melanoma cases, and that most skin cancers can be cured when they are found early enough.
If something on your skin is new, changing, bleeding, not healing or making you uneasy, start with your primary care provider or book a more in-depth skin assessment. Dr. Wiese’s clinic uses full-body photography to help track subtle changes over time, which can make it easier to identify concerns before they become more serious. The takeaway is not fear. It is consistency.
The best sunscreen is the one you will actually use. The best skin check is the one you actually do. And the most effective awareness message is the one that turns into a habit. So this May, before you soak up everything the Okanagan has to offer, take one extra step:
Because sometimes, something as small as a teaspoon can help protect something as big as your future.
Watch the full video above to hear more from Dr. Ben Wiese on how simple, consistent sun protection and early detection habits can make a life-changing difference.
How much sunscreen should I use on my face?
Use about one teaspoon for your face and neck, including your ears.
What SPF should I use?
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and more often after swimming, sweating or towelling off.
Should I wear sunscreen in winter or on cloudy days?
Yes. UV exposure still matters outside summer, including on cloudy days and around reflective snow.
Medical note: This article is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. If you notice a new, changing or unusual spot, contact a qualified health-care provider.
