The holidays are around the corner, and CANSA reminds the public to take care and be SunSmart everywhere. Sunburn can occur within fifteen minutes, and the damage caused is permanent, irreversible and adds up with each exposure to the sun.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, in part due to high levels of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a major cause of skin cancer. UV radiation is just as dangerous for outdoor labourers, sports people, on the playground or when driving to work, as it is when at the beach or pool. Rays can also reflect off surfaces and cause sunburn when it is overcast. Read more about skin cancer, tips to lower cancer risk and screening on the CANSA website.
Although people with fair hair and light skin, freckles and green or blue eyes are more at risk for sunburn and skin damage than those with a darker skin, people with a darker skin tone should also protect themselves from UV rays.
People who think that indoor tanning or sunbeds are a safer option are mistaken. There is no such thing as a healthy tan, which in fact indicates skin damage. First use of sunbeds before age 35, increases the risk of developing melanoma by 59%. In 2009 sunbeds and tanning booths were officially classified as cancer causing agents by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Julie George, melanoma Survivor states: “I think in the back of my mind I knew sunbeds were dangerous, but I never knew just how dangerous. I was completely ignorant of the nature of melanoma too. I wish I could have had a glimpse into the future back then, a real understanding of the dangers. I still find people today who don’t take it seriously. I think they have the ‘it won’t happen to me’ mindset, as did I. I am hoping my story will convince people that this is a very real, life threatening risk.”
How CANSA Helps
Make an appointment at a local CANSA Care Centre for a FotoFinder screening, which offers dermoscopic skin cancer screening and mole mapping. Also make use of CANSA’s Spot the Spot checklist to assist with monthly self-examinations.
For more info visit www.cansa.org.za,or contact CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22.