What is skin cancer?

• Skin cancer is the result of skin cell damage

• It begins in the lower part of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin)

Warning Signs for skin cancer - ABCDE

• A-symmetry – a mole or mark with one half unlike the other (not symmetrical). Common moles are round and symmetrical

• Border irregularities – scalloped/poorly defined edges. Common moles are smooth and have even borders

• Colour changes – tan, black, brown, red, white, blue. Common moles are usually a single shade of brown or black

• Diameter – larger than 6mm

• Evolve – grows bigger and becomes more prominent

Types of skin cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):1 in 30* for males & 1 in 62* for females

• This is the most common form of skin cancer

• BCC starts in the top layers of skin which is regularly exposed to sunlight, i.e. top of the head or scalp

SA Statistics as per National Cancer Registry (NCR) 2007*

Malignant Melanoma (MM):

1 in 227* for males & 1 in 342* for females

• MM currently accounts for approximately 1% of all cancer deaths

• SA has one of the highest incidences of MM in the world

• MM may occur amongst all ethnic and racial groups

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

1 in 63* for males & 1 in 152* for females

• This is the second most common skin cancer

• If detected early, SCC is curable in 95% of cases

• It occurs primarily in fair-skinned, middle aged and elderly people who have had long-term sun exposure

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

How to reduce the risk of skin cancer

• Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm. Stay in the shade or under an umbrella as much as possible

• Babies and toddlers should be kept out of the sun altogether

• Wear protective clothing: thickly-woven fabric hats with wide brims, UV protective clothes/swimsuits

• Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV400

• Apply sunscreen regularly(SPF 20-50) according toskin type

• Avoid sunbeds andsunlamps

CANSA’s view on sun beds…

• Sunbeds emit UVA and UVB – both cause damage in the DNA of skin cells

• Sunbeds deliver concentrated UVA radiation to unprotected skin and should be avoided

• It ages skin more rapidly while increasing your risk for skin cancer

• CANSA has requested the Minister of Health to ban the use of sunbeds by youth under the age of 18

How to reduce the risk of skin cancer

Spot the spot:

• Check your skin carefully every month

• Follow the ABCDE rules

• Ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head

• If you notice any warning signs – see a doctor or dermatologist immediately

How to reduce the risk

of skin cancer

Screening:

• Cutting edge screening technology for skin cancer (FotoFinder)

• Screening tests are available at most CANSA Care Centres and Mobile Health Clinics countrywide

What is SPF?

• The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) listed on a container of sunscreen is a measure of how well it protects your skin against UV rays

• It indicates how long you could spend in the sun before burning when protected by sunscreen, compared to when you have no sunscreen on

How does SPF work?

• If it takes 3-4 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using a SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 30 times longer (1½ to 2 hours on average)

Which sunscreen and SPF should be used?

• Use sunscreen with SPF 20-50

• Preferably 30-50 for fair to very fair skin

• Apply generously every 2-3 hours

• Use sunscreen that bears the CANSA Seal of Recognition

• Sunscreens usually have an expiry date of 2 years, however do not use after 1 year once opened

What is the CANSA Seal Of Recognition (CSOR)?

• The CSOR appears on approved sunscreen products

• It is a guarantee that the manufacturers of these UV protective products comply with the strict criteria developed by CANSA

CANSA’s UV-Smart

Armbands

• Monitor the UV radiation you and your family are exposed to all year round with a CANSA UV-Smart Armband

• It turns darker in colour as UV-radiation intensifies

• Each shade of colour gives protection recommendations you can follow in order to prevent sunburn

CANSA’s UV-Smart Armbands

• The UV-Smart Armbands

sell for R30 each and are

available in blue, pink and purple in adult and children sizes

• Buy your UV-Smart Armband directly from CANSA Care Centres nation wide or call toll-free 0800 22 66 22

• The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a scale developed to rate protection provided by fabrics against Solar Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)

• UPF is directly comparable to SPF for sunscreens – a garment rated UPF 30 will protect the skin 30 times longer – if it takes 3-4 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using a UPF 30 garment theoretically prevents reddening 30 times longer (1½ to 2 hours on average)

• Unless otherwise stated, UPF rating applies to fabric when it is dry and new

Which UV apparel (clothing) and hats

should be used?

Which UV apparel (clothing) and hats

should be used?

• Wear thickly-woven fabric hats with broad brims

• Avoid caps and hats that leave the neck and ears exposed

• Look out for the CSOR

Click to watch the CANSA SunSmart advert

Thank You!

Disclaimer:

Whilst the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has taken every precaution in compiling this presentation, neither it, nor any contributor(s) to this presentation can be held responsible for any action (or the lack thereof) taken by any person or organisation

wherever they shall be based, as a result, direct or otherwise, of information contained in, or accessed through, this presentation.