Be skin and sun smart!
You had a great time during the holidays with lots of time outdoors. You really did your best to protect yourself from the sun, applied sunscreen and avoided the harsh midday sun, but the summer is not over yet – so don’t forget to keep on looking after your skin.
Skin cancer prevalence in South Africa
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa and non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “the incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades”. Every year, at least 20 000 people in South Africa are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers. Approximately 1 500 people are diagnosed with melanoma. After Australia, South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.
All skin types are at risk
Everyone, regardless of racial or ethnic group, is at risk of getting skin cancer. Although people with darker skin are less susceptible because their skin contains more natural melanin that protects against sun damage, people with a dark skin tone can still get sunburnt and they can also develop skin cancer from UV damage. Bob Marley died at the age of only 36 of a rare form of melanoma. If he had asked his doctor earlier to check the dark spot under his toenail, which he attributed to a soccer injury, his cancer could have been treated and even cured.
Skin cancer is not always caused by the sun. Genetics and environmental influences may also cause skin cancer on parts of the body that are rarely exposed to the sun.
The golden rules for a healthy skin
Whichever skin type you are, please:
- avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm. Stay in the shade or under a UV protective umbrella as much as possible
- wear protective clothing – wide-brimmed hats and UV protective clothes/swimsuits
- wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV 400
- apply sunscreen lotion/cream regularly (SPF of 20-50 according to skin type)
- avoid sunbeds and sunlamps
- check your skin carefully every month according to the ABCDE rules
Children and sun protection
Be especially careful and protective of infants, toddlers and children. Most of the damage to the skin is done during childhood and adolescence - just one blistering sunburn during that time more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.
Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. No sunscreen should be used on young babies – consult your paediatrician before using sunscreen – rather protect your baby by dressing him/her in protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses. For babies older than 6 months, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 20-30 minutes before exposure to the sun and then regularly and generously. Keep children in the shade and dress them in protective clothing. Insist that your pre-school and school follow the same rules.
Warning signs for skin cancer (ABCDE)
A: Asymmetry – moles with one half unlike the other (not symmetrical). Common moles are round and symmetrical
B: Border irregularities – scalloped, with poorly defined edges. Common moles are smooth and have even borders
C: Colour changes – tan, black, brown, red, white, bluish. Common moles are usually a single shade of brown or black
D: Diameter – larger than 6mm
E: Evolving – evolving/growing bigger and becoming more prominent
Most common moles are harmless and don’t need to be removed, but if you have a mole that has changed in any way, or begins to bleed, go and see your GP. Your doctor can remove moles as a procedure in the rooms or might refer you to a specialist.
Are you looking for a GP or dermatologist in your area? Log in as a member and select Anglo Medical Scheme > Provider Search or ask the Call Centre to assist.
* MediBrief articles are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your medical concerns.