Although our SunSmart Campaign runs from December to January, CANSA reminds all South Africans to be SunSmart throughout the year and especially during Summer.
Sunburn can occur within fifteen minutes, and the damage caused is permanent, irreversible and adds up with each exposure to the sun.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and SA has one of the highest monitored ultra violet (UV) levels in the world, resulting in one of the highest skin cancer rates globally.
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
It’s getting hotter, so be SunSmarter!
Skin Cancer Common in SA
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades, and WHO estimates that a 10 % decrease in ozone levels will result in an additional 300 000 non-melanoma and 4 500 melanoma skin cancer cases globally.
More than 20 000 South Africans were diagnosed with the most common non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) in 2014 and more than 1500 were diagnosed with melanoma.
Fair Skin Tone
People with blonde / red head hair with light skin, freckles and green or blue eyes are more at risk for sunburn and skin damage and need to take extra care to protect their skin.
Albinism and Cancer Risk
People living with the genetic condition Albinism, causing them to be extremely pale, need to take extra
special care when outdoors, as they are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, and it’s important that it be detected early when it can be removed by surgery. They need to wear protective clothing and sunglasses to protect their sensitive eyes. It’s also important that they seek employment in a shaded environment and go for regular examinations to monitor for skin cancer. Sunscreen is available through prescription from the Department of Dermatology at public hospitals. Read more about Albinism and cancer risk…
People with Darker Skin also at Risk
It is important to take note of the fact that everyone, regardless of racial or ethnic group, is at risk of getting skin cancer. Although people with darker skins are less susceptible, because their skin contains more natural melanin, that protects against sun damage, everyone is at risk from the harsh African sun.
Although people with darker skins are at a lower risk of melanoma than lighter skinned groups, the majority of basal cell carcinomas, in people with darker skins, occur in sun-exposed skin, indicating that sun protection is paramount, regardless of pigment. ¹
In darker skins, 70 % of melanomas have been reported to be on the lower limb, with 90% of those being below the ankle. The most common subtype, acral lentiginous melanoma, appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. ²
Nikki Seboni believed that skin cancer was a white person’s disease, until she was diagnosed at the age of 25 years. Read more…
¹ Gloster HM
Jr, Neal K. Skin cancer in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006;55:741-60
² Hudson DA, Krige JE. Melanoma in black South Africans. J Am Coll Surg 1995;180:65-71
Types Skin Cancer
Former Mrs SA Nicole Capper, melanoma skin cancer Survivor
There are two main categories of skin cancer, namely, melanoma and non-melanoma.
Melanoma, is less common than other skin cancers, but it is the most dangerous. It is of special importance to note that excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation received as a child, increases the risk of melanoma later in life. Melanoma is linked with short, sharp bursts of over-exposure, so even one incident of bad sunburn, especially in childhood, can later on in life, trigger damage and develop into a melanoma.
Former Mrs South Africa, Nicole Capper, a skin cancer Survivor says, “As a cancer Survivor sun protection is a massive focus for me. Being diagnosed with malignant melanoma at 25 rocked my world, but I was lucky to have caught it early enough. We’re so aware of other potential health concerns and we make sure we visit specialists annually for other standard check-ups, and yet our skin is neglected for the most part, often until it’s too late. Sunscreen is always healthy. And regular dermatologist appointments should be mandatory. We owe it to our families and communities to stay healthy, and our skin is no exception.”
Non-melanoma skin cancers mainly comprise Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Of these, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and the least dangerous. These cancers are linked to long term exposure to the sun, for example people with professional sports careers or outside occupations. If left untreated, these can lead to disfigurement, or the loss of an eye, nose or ear, so early detection is important.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is most frequently seen on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the head, neck and back of the hands. Although women frequently get SCC on their lower legs, it is possible to get SCC on any part of the body, including the inside of the mouth, lips and genitals. People who use tanning beds have a much higher risk of getting SCC – they also tend to get SCC earlier in life.
Other skin cancers include:
Kaposi Sarcoma | Merkel Cell Carcinoma | Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
The following conditions can give rise to cancer or be mistaken as cancer:
- Spitz Naevi (usually present in toddlers and children), can mistakenly be thought to be Malignant Melanoma because of the close resemblance…
- Actinic Cheilitis and Actinic Keratosis – are pre-cancerous conditions that can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Bowen’s Disease – is a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome, is an inherited medical condition involving defects within multiple body systems such as the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine system, and bones. People with this syndrome are particularly prone to developing a common form of non-melanoma skin cancer, e.g. Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Solar Elastosis – is a pre-cursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) – an inherited condition characterised by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. Most people with XP develop multiple skin cancers during their lifetime.
Myths
- The sun is only dangerous in summer or on a hot day
- Sunscreen will protect me completely from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays
- One or two cases of sunburn won’t result in skin cancer
- People with darker skins are not at risk for getting skin cancer
- Sunbeds are a safer alternate to obtain a tan
Read more: https://cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/