Dangers of skin cancer ‘not only skin deep’
Skin cancer affects everyone, and all people are urged to avoid tragedy by taking precautions, checking irregularities
SOUTH Africans spend many hours outdoors and all the while the sun above, providing warmth and energy necessary for our survival, is also posing one of the greatest risks to our health if we do not all protect ourselves from its dangerous cancer-causing rays.
According to Dr Dineo Tshabalala, a medical oncologist practicing at Netcare Olivedale Hospital, if left undetected skin cancer can be devastating in ways people often do not realise.
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‘Skin cancer is often thought of as being quite literally only on the surface of our bodies. Yet the threat is not only skin deep – without early treatment skin cancer can spread, metastasising to other organs.’
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and as South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world, it also has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer globally. UVB rays can cause sunburn within fifteen minutes, resulting in permanent damage, while UVA rays can contribute to ageing the skin and to DNA damage. Damage from both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer.
‘While the highest incidence continues to occur among white people, in Sub-Saharan Africa it is becoming increasingly prevalent among black people with HIV as well as those with albinism, although anyone with compromised immunity is at risk.
While the disease is certainly more common in the white population, it affects us all.
‘The risk factors for developing skin cancer include cumulative sun exposure, sun damage and sunburn,’ Dr Tshabalala adds.
Prevention is better than cure
Some precautions to note to help prevent skin cancer:
- Use sunscreen every day, after moisturiser and before make-up
- Choose a sunblock with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, or a 50+ SPF depending on skin type. Look out for sunscreens bearing the CANSA Seal of Recognition (CSOR)
- Reapply liberally every two to three hours.
- Stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm
- Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses when you are outside
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