Category Archives: SunSmart Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Julie George melanoma Survivor

People who think that indoor tanning or sunbeds are a safer option are mistaken. There is no such thing as a healthy tan, which in fact indicates skin damage. First use of sunbeds before age 35, increases the risk of developing melanoma by 59%. In 2009 sunbeds and tanning booths were officially classified as cancer causing agents by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). People who use tanning beds also have a much higher risk of getting Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – they also tend to get SCC earlier in life. Read more about the dangers of sunbeds…

Julie George, melanoma Survivor states: “I think in the back of my mind I knew sunbeds were dangerous, but I never knew just how dangerous. I was completely ignorant of the nature of melanoma too. I wish I could have had a glimpse into the future back then, a real understanding of the dangers. I still find people today who don’t take it seriously. I think as I had, they have the ‘it won’t happen to me mind set.’ I am hoping my story will convince people that this is a very real, life threatening risk.”

Sunless or Self-Tanning

There is no such thing as a healthy tan – even a sunless tan…

In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the use of sunless and self-tanning products such as sprays, mousses, gels, pills, nasal sprays & injections called Melanotan 1 and 11.

Melanotan 11 has serious side effects, and may induce melanoma. CANSA warns against this product. Read our Warning Against Melanotan-II…

Sunless tanning, also known as UV-free tanning, self-tanning, spray-tanning (when something is applied topically) or fake-tanning – refers to the application of chemicals to the skin or making use of chemicals that are taken by mouth or per injection, to produce an effect similar in appearance to a suntan. The browning effect usually occurs within a few hours. The effect is temporary – the colour fades in 7-10 days as the skin naturally sloughs off.

Sunless tanning products include:

• Bronzing powder
• Spray bronzers
• Stick bronzers
• Tanning wipes
• Tanning tablets
• Tanning capsules
• Tanning injections
• Tanning nasal spray
• Sunless tanning lotion

None of these is safe!

• Although some self-tanning products contain sunscreen, it offers minimal ultraviolet radiation protection. It does not provide protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun and CANSA strongly discourages individuals to use any form of tanning product.
• Topical sunless tanning products that contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), prevent the formation of Vitamin D in the skin when exposed to the sun.

Read our Sunless Tanning Position Statement & Fact Sheet

cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/

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 – find out why sunbeds should be banned…

Infographic: SunSmart Truth vs Myths

cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/

Although the 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 sunburn when it is overcast.

It’s getting hotter, so be SunSmarter!

View CANSA’s SunSmart Slideshow

cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/

Afrikaanse weergawe…

• Always seek medical advice as soon as possible when concerned about a particular spot on your skin.
• Check your skin carefully every month and ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head.

If you notice any of these warning signs, see a doctor or dermatologist immediately: 

• Mole Check According to the A B C D E F G Acronym Fact Sheet
• Read more about reducing your skin cancer risk…

Read more: https://cansa.org.za/do-a-monthly-spot-the-spot-skin-check/

Read more: https://cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart-make-the-cansa-smart-choice/