Skin Cancer: the scary consequences of not bothering to cover up
I am a mother with fair skin and you will notice that I am religious about wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Considering how prevalent skin cancer has become I find it mind-boggling that my hat-wearing habit is still so unusual. Internet research confirms my fears and prompted me to write this article in the hope that you will be sufficiently convinced to change your ways. My information comes from the Skin Cancer Net (written by the American Academy of Dermatology) and I would be glad to pass on copies of the complete article since, although the statistics are American, they apply equally to the South African context.
Sun exposure, specifically the ultraviolet (UV) rays, is the leading cause of skin cancer. Everyone, from the palest to the darkest, can develop skin cancer although it is most likely to occur in those with fair skin, light-coloured eyes, blonde or red hair. Melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) affects both light- and dark-skinned people and most often develops in areas not exposed to the sun. Despite the fact that most people realize that over-exposure to the sun is unhealthy, most still do not adequately protect themselves. Consequently, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US and approximately one person dies from melanoma every hour. If current trends continue, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Melanoma incidence is rising at an alarming rate. In 1930, 1 in 5 000 Americans were likely to develop melanoma in their lifetime. By 2004, this ratio had jumped to 1 in 65! Today, melanoma is the most prevalent form of cancer in women aged 25 – 29.
The American Skin Cancer Society says, Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year could be prevented with protection from the sun’s rays.
Sun protection can significantly decrease a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. Methods include:
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staying out of the sun between 10h00 and 16h00,
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applying broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher all year round to all exposed skin, and
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wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
Skin cancer is highly curable with early detection and proper treatment. Regular visits to the dermatologist are advisable especially if the risk is high. Any observable changes in the skin, such as new moles or lesions that refuse to heal, are suspect and should be professionally examined as soon as possible.
Imhoff fisherman’s cap or wide-brimmed hat (the baseball caps themselves don’t provide sufficient protection) and they can be ordered from Jacqui Mortensen (789 1173). The money goes to Class 6’s funds.