Be sun smart this summer

THE Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) urges the community to be sun savvy this January and February, by being aware of the dangers of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa and is the result of skin cell damage, which begins in the lower part of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.

“We can develop skin cancer when we ignore our bodies’ signals to avoid sunlight. It’s important to know how to reduce your risk of skin cancer, especially during summer when the sun’s rays are the harshest, so use an approved CANSA SunSmart Choice approved sun screen and protective clothing,” said CANSA acting CEO Elize Joubert.

CANSA is putting the focus on spot-the-spot screening. Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless, although anyone who has more than 100 moles or atypical moles are at greater risk for melanoma.

“It’s essential that you check your skin carefully every month by doing a mole check. Check for any changes in the moles. Ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head, while you can check the rest of your body. If you notice any of the warning signs, see a doctor or dermatologist immediately,” said Joubert.

A, B, C, D, E warning signs apply, A-symmetry – a mole or mark with one half unlike the other – common moles are round and symmetrical, B-order irregularities – scalloped or poorly defined edges – common moles have smooth and even borders, C-olour variations and inconsistency – tan, brown, black, red, white and blue – common moles are usually a single shade of brown or black, D-iameter – larger than 6mm and E-volving – changes in shape, colour or border of a mole.

CANSA also warns against tanning. 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 malignant melanoma. CANSA warns against this product. 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.

CANSA offers cutting edge screening technology for skin cancer through its mole-mapping dermoscope device called the FotoFinder. This screening test is available at some CANSA Care Centres and Mobile Health Clinics across the country. Every client with suspicious skin damage is referred for an intensive skin evaluation.

“We only have five FotoFinders to date for use countrywide and we appeal for any donations or sponsorship to be able to purchase one for all our CANSA Care Centres. That way, we can help screen many more people and help reduce the cancer risk,” said Joubert.

For more info visit www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free 0800226622 or at info@cansa.org.za