27/12/2021
Practice sun safety and reduce your risk of skin cancer
With the summer holidays almost upon us, it is important to remember that overexposure to the sun may have harmful side effects, including increasing your risk of skin cancer.
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with about 20 000 reported cases and 700 deaths annually.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and approximately 132 000 malignant melanomas occur globally every year.
South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented by respecting the sun.
The three most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma.
A significant part of a person’s lifetime exposure occurs before the age of 18. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can also lead to inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye, and may cause and accelerate the development of cataracts.
What does a sun protection factor (SPF) mean?
Sun protection factor (SPF) refers to the extra protection offered by applying a specific sunscreen lotion to the skin.
If your skin usually starts to change colour within five minutes, a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 20 protects your skin for 20 times as long, i.e. 5 times 20, which equals 100 minutes.
Remember, there is no such thing as a „complete‟ sun-blocker, as all sunscreen lotions need to be reapplied at regular intervals.
What does UV mean?
Ultra violet (UV) rays are part of the light spectrum that reaches the earth. There are two kinds of UV rays that damage our skin. The broader UVB rays cause the browning reaction that we call „tanning‟ and are responsible for the redness of skin, painful burning, skin damage and skin spots and ultimately skin cancer.
UVA rays pe*****te deeper into the skin and can damage the structure of the cells, causing ageing, as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer – it is currently accepted that UVA rays are the cause of malignant melanoma.
Owing to the hole in the ozone layer (known to protect the earth from the sun), South Africa is receiving increased amounts of UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Things to consider to reduce your risk of skin cancer
UV exposure: The greatest risk for skin cancer comes from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight, sunlamps and tanning beds. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk. Remember that overcast skies do not protect against UV rays. Protecting your skin even on cloudy days is critical.
Fair skin: Melanoma is more than 20 times more common in white people than African Americans. The risk is also higher in individuals with blond or red hair, blue or green eyes, or skin that burns or freckles easily.
Age: Although skin cancer risk increases as you age, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially women. People who have had at least one severe (blistering) sunburn as a child, or used sunlamps or tanning beds before the age of 30, also have an increased risk.
However, because it is virtually impossible to go through life with no sun exposure, everyone is at risk.
Tips to reduce your risk of skin cancer
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun and help reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. They include:
Using sunscreen: Apply 30 ml (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes before outdoor activities. Cover areas like the back of the ears and neck, and the tops of the feet and hands. If you are bald, applying it to your scalp is also important.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. It is also important to remember that sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Cover up: The sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10:00 and 16:00. If you work outdoors, tightly woven clothes provide the best sun protection.
Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and hats with material that covers the back of the neck also help protect sensitive skin on the neck, face and around the eyes.
Wear sun-safe swimwear: Look for bathing suits that cover more skin, such as swim shirts, one-piece suits, and long shorts. Many children now wear swim shirts or T-shirts while at the pool or beach, but these are also a good idea for adults. Look out for UV protective swimsuits and beachwear as UV radiation can pe*****te fabric. Swimwear and umbrellas bearing the CANSA Seal of Recognition should also be part of your protection kit.
Closely examine your skin: Regular, thorough skin examinations are important, especially if you have a large number of moles or other blemishes. While this will not prevent skin cancer from developing, checking for irregularities can help detect the disease in the early stages. Check your skin carefully every month and ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head.
Look out for these warning signs:
A-symmetry – a mole or mark with one half unlike the other – common moles are round and symmetrical.
B-order irregularities – scalloped or poorly defined edges – common moles have smooth and even borders.
C-olour variations and inconsistency – tan, brown, black, red, white and blue – common moles are usually a single shade of brown or black.
D-iameter – larger than 6 mm.
E-volve – Grows bigger and becomes more prominent
Always tell your doctor or dermatologist immediately if you see any new, unusual, or changing moles or growths on your skin. It is a good idea to have a professional skin exam at least once a year.
Read more at: https://cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart
