TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SKIN CANCER THIS DECEMBER | AFFINITY HEALTH
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, outlines how making sun protection a daily habit can reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Nothing beats South Africa’s weather, especially in December when temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C in some areas.
Unfortunately, the African sun is also to blame for our country’s high number of skin cancer cases.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in SA, with about 20 000 cases reported yearly and 700 deaths.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and about 132 000 malignant melanomas occur worldwide yearly.
South Africa, after Australia, has the world’s second-highest incidence of skin cancer. The good news is that skin cancer can be avoided by avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Skin Cancer And UV Rays
UV rays are a component of the light spectrum that reaches the earth.
There are two types of UV rays that cause skin damage – UVA and UVB rays. The broader UVB rays cause the browning reaction known as “tanning” and are responsible for skin redness, painful burning, skin damage, skin spots, and skin cancer.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can damage cell structure, causing ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer – UVA rays are now thought to be the cause of malignant melanoma.
South Africa is receiving more UVA and UVB rays from the sun due to a hole in the ozone layer (known to protect the earth from the sun).
To reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, protect your skin from UV rays from the sun and avoid artificial sources of UV exposure such as tanning beds and sunlamps.
“It’s important to note that UV ray protection is essential all year, not just in the summer. UV rays can reach you even on cloudy or cool days because they reflect off surfaces such as water, cement, and sand. UV rays are strongest in South Africa from 10 am to 3 pm,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
High-Risk Exposition
Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer. However, people with fair skin, those with a family history of skin cancer, and those participating in outdoor sports are considered high-risk.
The Importance Of Early Detection
Because skin cancer has the best prognosis when detected early, Affinity Health recommends regular self skin-examinations. Here’s how to check your skin for skin cancer:
Examine your body front and back in a mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.
Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, underarms, and palms.
Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair for a closer look at your scalp.
Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
If you notice any warning signs below, you should immediately see a doctor or dermatologist.
Possible Signs Of Skin Cancer
A large brownish spot with darker speckles.
A mole or mark with one half that is different from the other – most moles are round and symmetrical.
Raised, translucent, pearly nodules that crust, ulcerate, and bleed occasionally.
Raised, pink, opaque nodules or patches with ulcers or sores in the centre.
Small brown or black patches or larger multi-coloured patches with an irregular outline that crust and bleed.
A painful lesion that itches or burns.
Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina, or anus.
How To Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer
Affinity Health recommends these top 10 measures to prevent skin cancer:
Avoid direct sunlight between 10:00 and 15:00, when the sun’s rays are most dangerous.
Wear thickly woven hats with wide brims and loose-fitting clothes made of tightly woven, cool fabric that will block out harmful UV rays. Because UV radiation can penetrate fabric, look for UV-protective swimsuits and beach wear. Look for swimwear and umbrellas with the CANSA Seal of Recognition.
Always use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 20 on all exposed skin areas, preferably one with the CANSA Seal. Reapply sunscreen after towel-drying, sweating, or swimming (and at least every two hours).
Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, including the back of the neck, the tips of the ears, the arms, the feet, and the hands.
When possible, stay under cover or in the shade.
Wear sunglasses with a UV400 protection rating to protect your eyes.
Apply lip balm with at least SPF 20 regularly.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Take extra precautions to protect children; babies under one year old should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
Examine your skin regularly for changes, unusual marks, or moles. A skin check should be included in an annual medical examination. Request that a friend examines your back and the backs of your legs for any spots or changes you may have missed.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.