Be SunSmart and Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Most people don’t know that sunburn can occur within fifteen minutes of exposure to the sun and that even during such a short time, permanent, irreversible, damage is caused to your skin. This damage increases every time you go out into the sun and, may, eventually 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 states that skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and as South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world, it also has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer globally. And 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. (https://cansa.org.za/besunsmart/)

Using effective sun protection products such as sunscreens bearing the CANSA Smart Choice Seal, as part of CANSA’s Seal of Recognition programme, is just one way to stay safe while having fun in the sun. Kudzai Nyaruve, CANSA Seal of Recognition Coordinator, explains that “The Smart Choice endorsement programme is part of an ongoing effort by CANSA to lower exposure to carcinogens and other risk factors associated with cancer development. We aim to promote a smart, balanced lifestyle using the CANSA Smart Choice Seal as a tool to assist the public in making healthier, informed choices.” (https://cansa. org.za/cansa-seal-of-recognition/)

Sunscreens that carry the CANSA Smart Choice Seal have been verified by approved independent testing laboratories and are deemed safe to use and as effective protection against harmful damage caused by the sun. “All CANSA Smart Choice Seal sunscreens offer ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 20 to 50. They have also complied with CANSA’s strict set of criteria,” says Nyaruve.

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. CANSA’s Smart Choice Seal is, therefore, also extended to UV-protective garments and apparel, sunglasses, shade items, solar and other radiation warning devices to ensure all-round sun protection throughout the whole year. 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 SPF of between 20 and 50 & 30 and 50 for fair to very fair skin.
• Products usually expire two years after manufacture – 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 skintype
• 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.

As well as protecting yourself against the sun, it’s of paramount importance 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. (https://cansa.org.za/files/2021/01/ Fact-Sheet-on-How-to-Check-a-Mole-According-tothe-A-B-C-D-E-F-G-Acronym-January-2021.pdf)

CANSA offers FotoFinder skin screenings at most CANSA Care Centres around South Africa. Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager for Health Promotion, explains that the “FotoFinder screening is an all-in-one 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 identification 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. (https://cansa.org.za/ fotofinder-dermoscope-machines-for-skin-screening/)

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

CANSA has also partnered with Miiskin (https:// miiskin.com/) – a free user-friendly app that assists in monitoring changes. It may not be a diagnostic tool and does not replace a visit to the dermatologist or doctor, but it does help raise the alarm on skin changes which may then be further investigated by a professional – perfect for those on the go.

For more information about the CANSA Seal of Recognition programme and products, contact Kudzai Nyaruve on cansaseal@cansa.org.za or the CANSA Help Desk via our toll free line: 0800 22 66 22 or email: info@cansa.org.za