Durban - The Cancer Association of South Africa warned in a recent statement that the risk of skin cancer was higher than normal, because 2015 had been the warmest year in recorded history.
For that reason, “it’s so important to know the dangers of exposure to the sun and also how to reduce the risk of skin cancer, which is the result of skin cell damage that begins in the lower part of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). At least 80percent of sun-induced skin damage occurs before the age of 18 and only manifests later in life”.
The Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, comprising leading dermatologists in the country, also weighed in on the critical issue.
“As dermatologists, we are coming face to face with more and more patients with skin cancer. Skin cancer is growing at a disturbing rate and South Africa has the second-highest incidence of skin cancer in the world,” said Dr Derek Odendaal, one of the founder members of the foundation.
The organisation found in a snap-shot study, which analysed cases at two KwaZulu-Natal laboratories, that 17 349 cancer samples were collected between October last year and June this year. Of these, 68.2percent were basal carcinoma, 26.5percent squamous cell carcinoma and 5.2 percent melanoma.
Odendaal said that the simple step of using sunscreen daily could substantially cut these numbers.He said the ozone layer was depleting and the body needed shielding from harmful rays. It was important to differentiate between day-to-day skin and sun care versus UV protection during outdoor and sports activities.
“Daily protection can encompass (at the very least) moisturising day creams with SPF 15 or more and top quality anti-oxidant serums, which protect against ageing and skin cancer. UV protection during outdoor activities requires a more robust sunscreen and higher SPF of 30 or more.”
The foundation emphasised that sunscreen was not just for “hot sunny days at the beach”.
“Think of exposure to UV radiation beginning as an empty glass, filling up a drop at a time. Even at a drop at a time, the glass will eventually fill up. If it overflows, you have a problem. Just add up every minute you’re exposed to the sun during a ‘regular day’ and you’ll be surprised how much time that can be. Risks exist for African skin types, too.”In fact, the foundation pointed out, there was a higher mortality rate for patients of colour with skin cancer.
“This may be because of lack of awareness, diagnoses at a more advanced stage and socio-economic factors such as access to barriers. Skin cancer prevention strategies for all patients, regardless of ethnic background and socio-economic status, can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.”
The foundation said water, sand and concrete all provided a platform for reflective rays.
“Protect yourself at all times, even while in shade or on a wintry day. In addition to sunscreen, quality rash vests and exposed skin protection is important. The right hat reduces UV exposure by 70 percent for neck and head. Wear certified sunglasses with UV 400 protection. Wear long sleeves whenever possible (preferably black and more tightly woven fabrics).”
The good news is that the risk of skin cancer can be reduced by respecting the sun and following these tips:
* Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm. Stay in the shade or under an umbrella as much as possible.
* Wear protective clothing – wide-brimmed hats and UV protective clothes or swimsuits.
* Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of at least UV400.
* Always apply sunscreen (SPF of 20-50) according to skin type. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of race, age or sex. People with fair skin have a higher chance of getting skin cancer, but dark-skinned people are still at risk.
* Don’t forget your scalp, ears, neck and backs of hands. Remember sunscreen is a first line of defence, but needs to be accompanied by other sun safe practices and minimise the amount of time spent in the intense sun.
* Wear enough sunscreen and reapply. People don’t use the correct amount of sunscreen, so higher SPFs are necessary for the prevention of skin cancer and photoageing. Remember, sunburn can manifest as skin cancer years later.
* Avoid sunbeds and sunlamps.
Get to know the lingo
Knowing what terms like SPF, UV, UPF and spot-the-spot means is important when it comes to staying safe in the sun.
* SPF stands for sun protection factor and is usually found on sunscreen bottles. It’s a measure of how well it protects your skin against UV rays and indicates how long you could spend in the sun before burning when protected by sunscreen, compared to when you have no sunscreen on.
* UV refers to ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. UV rays have disruptive effects on skin cells, which cause sunburn, and can result in skin cancer.
* UPF is similar to the SPF indication on sunscreen, but UPF is usually found on clothing. It indicates the ultraviolet protection factor of clothing, sunglasses and hats, to protect you against the UV rays of the sun.
* Spot the spot is a term to encourage you to do self-examinations on your skin. It’s important to keep track of marks, moles and spots on your skin and to make note of any changes. Aim to have a base-line check-up with a dermatologist, and track changes.
Source: Cansa and the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa.
Reduce the risk
Treating sunburn can start with a trip to the fridge, using common household ingredients.
* Potatoes
Cut a raw potato into slices and rub a piece on your most painful sunburnt spots. For a more intensive treatment, grate a cold raw potato and apply it as a poultice.
*Tomatoes
In one study, volunteers who ate five tablespoons of lycopene-rich tomato paste daily for three months enjoyed 25percent more natural protection against sunburn.
Sunburn treatment: Indulge in fresh tomatoes and add organic tomato sauce to meals for a lycopene burst.
*Cucumbers
If you’re already burnt, mash a cucumber and apply it to your skin. Grab an organic cucumber from the garden or farmers’ market, peel and chop, and then squeeze the juice. Mix it with glycerine and rosewater to help protection from the sun. – Online Health Magazine Prevention
Reach for the veggies to treat sunburn.
The Mercury