Preventing skin cancer has been talked about ever since we were kids frolicking in the water, and then repeatedly as we grew up lounging around the pool catching a tan. Despite this increased awareness in recent decades, the number of skin cancer cases per year in South Africa is still alarmingly high.

Research by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) shows that skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the country, resulting in over 700 deaths per year. Global reports have also shown that South Africa has the highest occurrence of skin cancer in the world.

With these scary facts in mind, let’s take a better look at what skin cancer is, what you should look out for and how to prevent it before it even occurs.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. There are three layers of skin: the top level, called the epidermis, the middle layer, called the dermis, and the innermost layer, called the subcutis. Skin cancer usually begins in the epidermis, and if left untreated, the cancerous cells multiply and form a tumour.The most common cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to the sun, as well as using ultraviolet tanning devices. In a few rare cases, skin cancer is hereditary, and is passed down from one generation to the next.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer that usually develops in the skin on your body that is often exposed to the sun, like your neck and face. A basal cell carcinoma can take several forms: a patch of irritated red skin, a shiny nodule, a pink pearly lump, a scar that is waxy in appearance, or a sore that keeps bleeding, then heals, then comes back again.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): These usually develop in middle-aged or elderly people who have fair skin and who’ve had long-term exposure to the sun. This type of skin cancer usually shows up as an ulcer that won’t heal, a crusty patch of skin, or as an inflamed area that looks like a tumour. About two out of 10 skin cancers worldwide are squamous cell carcinomas.
• Melanoma: Melanomas are much less common than basal and squamous cell carcinomas, but they’re far more dangerous. If they’re not caught early, they’re much more likely to spread to other parts of the body. A melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, but it’s more likely to start on the neck and face, or on the chest and back in men, and on the legs for women. Usually, it appears as a new or pre-existing mole. Statistics have shown that if a person has had more than five sunburns in their life, their risk for melanoma will double.

How do I prevent skin cancer?

Unfortunately there’s no way to know whether you’re more likely to get skin cancer or not, as it develops in people of all races and hereditary backgrounds. So, if you love soaking up a bit of sun, preventing skin cancer is really important. At the very least, take these precautionary measures in order to decrease your risk of developing the disease:

• Always use an SPF sunscreen of 20 or higher, and check that your sunscreen has a broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB.
• When you’re outside, wear sunglasses and a broad hat.
• Stay in the shade at the hottest time of the day, between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
• Don’t use tanning beds. Rather use spray on tan, or get your vitamin D fix from foods such as salmon or orange juice.

Early skin cancer detection

If you can spot skin cancer you can stop it, so examining yourself and having regular check ups with a dermatologist are essential. While skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, the good news is that it’s the easiest to cure if it’s diagnosed and treated early.

Do you have a question about skin cancer, or any other health issue? As a Fedhealth member, you get free access to your very own Fedhealth nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.

Sources: www.skincarephysicians.com, www.cansa.org.za, www.cancer.org