It’s getting hotter, and CANSA encourages the public to be SunSmarter, and throw shade at skin cancer this summer. South Africa is ranked as a leading outdoor adventure destination with glorious weather conditions, beautiful beaches and bushveld, and yet ironically it also has one of the highest monitored ultra violet levels globally. This results in the country’s population having one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
Each year during the hot summer months, CANSA steps up its skin cancer awareness communication through its SunSmart Campaign, to remind South Africans of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun. Running from mid-November to January, the campaign includes beach, workplace and school activations, as well as sharing education online on CANSA’s platforms.
CANSA reminds all South Africans to be SunSmart throughout the year and especially during summer, as skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers. South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia, and in particular one of the highest incidences of melanoma worldwide, as far as Caucasians are concerned.
Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. Children should not be getting sunburned at any age, especially since there are a range of very effective sun protection methods that can be used. Minimise time outside during summer when UV levels are at their strongest – between 10am and 3pm. Parents and guardians need to be extra vigilant about sun protection for their infants and toddlers at all times.
For more information about how to protect your family from the harmful effects of the sun, visit www.cansa.org.za.