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:
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:
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
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website 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.