Beat the burn, be SunSmart

The days are longer, sandals have replaced slippers and we’re venturing outdoors. This can only mean one thing; summer is here! The excitement can be felt, literally, on our skin. Did you know that sunburn can occur within 15 minutes, causing permanent, irreversible damage which adds up with each exposure to the sun? Over time, this damage may lead to skin cancer, which is why the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) urges all South Africans to be SunSmart and serious about protecting their skin.

The World Cancer Research Fund says that skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world, and one of the highest incidences of skin cancer globally. Additionally, although people with blonde or red head hair with light skin, freckles and green or blue eyes are more at risk for sunburn and skin damage, it’s important to remember that everyone, regardless of their ethnic group, is at risk of getting skin cancer. Early detection of skin cancer is key to beating it

Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager for Health Promotion, says, “It’s vital to be aware of changes to your skin – early detection of skin cancer is key to beating it. CANSA

provides information and resources to enable you to keep up to date with your monthly skin checks using the

ABCDE guidelines to look out for warning signs. Ask a family member or friend to assist in examining hard to reach places, such as your back and top of your head." monitoring changes. It may not be a diagnostic tool and does not replace a visit to the dermatologist or doctor, however it helps raise the alarm on skin changes which may then be further investigated by a professional – perfect for those on the go,” adds Govender.

Being SunSmart doesn’t only apply to the summer months

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.

Using sunscreen is only one way in which to protect yourself in the sun. Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are most dangerous. Stay in the shade or under an (UV protective) umbrella as much as possible. UV rays refl ect off cement, water, sand, glass and grass and can therefore cause sunburn in the shade.

CANSA off ers FotoFinder skin screenings at most CANSA Care Centres around South

Africa. Govender explains that FotoFinder screening is an all-inone dermoscopic skin cancer screening and mole mapping using a dermascope device – the imaging system of choice by thousands of dermatologists worldwide. The system automatically links digital dermoscopic images of moles to an overview image, making the identifi cation and tracking of lesions easy. Should any abnormalities be picked up, a referral will be made to a dermatologist. It’s however, necessary to book an appointment as the FotoFinders roam between the CANSA Care Centres. “CANSA has also partnered with Miiskin – a free userfriendly app that assists in

With the following guidelines from CANSA, being SunSmart is as easy as 1, 2, 3: 1. Use an effective sunscreen

Be sure to use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of between 20 and 50, and 30 and 50 for fair to very fair skin. Products usually expire two years after manufacture hence don’t use a product that has been opened and used after a year has passed.

The CANSA Seal of Recognition logo appears on approved sunscreen products and is a guarantee that the manufacturers of these UV protective products have complied with CANSA’s strict set of criteria.

2. Apply sunscreen correctly

It’s important to know the best SPF for your skin-type. Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and re-apply at least every two hours after towel drying, perspiring or swimming.

3. Invest in UV protective clothing and gear

Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV400. Wear protective clothing and swimsuits and thickly woven fabric hats with wide brims – avoid caps where the neck and ears are exposed.

UV protective umbrellas bearing the CANSA Seal of Recognition should be part of your protection kit. Look out for CANSA’s swing tags and Smart Choice logo on clothing, hats and summer fun accessories.

“We also need to remember that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Sunbeds, sunlamps and sunless or self-tanning products are just as harmful and can lead to damage which may cause skin cancer,” Govender concludes.

For more information and advice, contact your nearest CANSA Care Centre or the CANSA Help Desk via the toll free line: 0800 22 66 22 l info@cansa.org.za. l www.cansa.org.za