Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa

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)

Be safe in the sun

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

• Wear UPF protective clothing; wide brimmed hats & UV protective clothes/swimsuits

• Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV400

• Always apply sunscreen regularly (SPF of 20 - 50) according to skin type

• Avoid sunbeds & sunlamps

• At least 80% of sun-induced skin damage occurs before the age of 18 and only manifests later in life

The good news is that the risk of skin cancer can be reduced by respecting the sun and following these tips:

How to reduce the risk of skin cancerSpot-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

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

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Get educated – know the lingo

• SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and is usually found on sunscreen bottles. It is a measure of how well it protects your skin against UV rays and indicates how long you could spend in the sun before burning when protected by sunscreen, compared to when you have no sunscreen on. CANSA encourages the use of SPF 20-50

Get educated – know the lingo

• UV refers to ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. UV rays have disruptive effects on skin cells, which cause sunburn, and can result in skin cancer

• CSOR is the CANSA Seal Of Recognition, found on CANSA-approved sunscreen. It is a guarantee that the manufacturers of these UV protective products comply with the strict criteria developed by CANSA

Get educated – know the lingo

• UPF is similar to the SPF indication on sunscreen, but UPF is usually found on clothing. It indicates the Ultraviolet Protection Factor of clothing, sunglasses and hats, to protect you against the UV rays of the sun

• Spot-the-spot is a term we refer to when encouraging you to do self-examinations on your skin. It is important to keep a track of marks, moles and spots on your skin and to make note of any changes. Make sure to follow the ABCDE rules when doing these self-exams

How to reduce the risk of skin cancer

Screening:• CANSA offers screening technology

for skin cancer through our mole-mapping dermoscope device called the FotoFinder

• This screening is available at some CANSA Care Centres and Mobile Health Clinics across the country

• Every client with suspicious skin damage is referred for an intensive skin evaluation.

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.