Protect your skin daily, get regular checks, and stay safe in the sun. ity Med Day Hospital supports CANSA’s Be SunSmart campaign to help prevent skin cancer.
South Africa
- When: December to January.
- Purpose: To raise awareness about sun protection, especially during the summer months.
- Key message: Skin cancer is preventable, and people of all skin tones are at risk. This is especially important in sunny climates like South Africa, which has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world
General Sun Safety Tips (applicable year-round)
- Seek shade: Stay out of direct sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
- Wear protective clothing: Use long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.
- Avoid tanning beds: Sunlamps and tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation.
- Protect children: Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV damage, so it’s crucial to start sun safety habits early