On the beaches, at cricket matches, next to pools and in the garden, sun worshippers are baking in the harsh summer sun in their quest for a healthy tan.
But there is no such thing as a "healthy tan" says the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
"When you are exposed to the sun, UVA rays activate the body's natural sunscreen process. This involves a variety of cells in the lower layers of the skin, which produce melanin (brown pigment). They divide and move to the surface of the skin to protect it and the melanin pigment is also carried to the surface. Because the melanin is a dark pigment, the skin darkens too." While sunshine is essential for your health, all you need is a few minutes a day to maintain your vitamin D levels.
Not everyone "burns" at the same rate. The main natural protective factors are the degree of pigmentation and the thickness of the outer, horny layer of the skin. Thus, very dark-skinned people rarely burn and develop ageing changes and cancers, while the freckled redhead with a milky skin gets into trouble. Pigment is our natural sunscreen.
Although anyone can get skin cancer, some people are more at risk:
- A fair skin, light eye colour and tendency to burn easily.
- Large brown moles at birth.
- Unusual moles (moles that are large, irregular in shape or multicoloured).
- A record of blistering sunburns, especially when young.
- Indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits.
- Family history of malignant melanoma or malignant melanoma in the past.
How to protect yourself
- Sunscreen: Sunscreens are essential for areas not covered by clothing. The lighter your natural skin, the higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) you need. Cansa recommends a minimum of SPF 15. Although people with darker skins have a lower risk of skin cancer compared to those with fair skins, people from all population groups are being diagnosed with skin cancer. Look out for Cansa's Seal of Recognition on sunscreen products.
When using a sunscreen, you need to re-apply it throughout the day, after swimming, towel drying and perspiring.
- Clothing: UV radiation can penetrate fabric. Hold the fabric up to the sun - if you can see the sun, it can see you. Denim provides good protection, cotton allows about 15 percent of UVRs that penetrate. Hats are important and in Australian schools, the rule is "no hat, no play". Few South African schools adopt this policy.
Use the A, B, C, D rules and practise routine skin checks on you and your family.
A: is for Asymmetry (When one side of the spot is different from the other.) Melanomas are often asymmetrical whereas a mole should be the same size and shape on each side.
B: is for Border. Check for irregularities, especially whether the border (or the edge) is ragged, notched or blurred. Common moles usually have smooth, even borders.
C: is for Colour. A mole should have a single colour only. Check whether your mole has multiple colours. Check the surrounding skin for redness, swelling or coloured blemishes that spread from the mole's edge.
D: is for Diameter. Check for size: a sudden or continuous enlargement can be a warning sign of melanoma. Also check whether parts of a pigmented area have become raised.
When checking your moles also note changes in sensation like tenderness, itchiness or pain, and any softening or hardening.
- Cancer Association of South Africa: 031 2059 525 or www.cansa.org.za