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)

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 Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): 1 in 63* for males & 1 in 152* for females This is the second most common skin cancer Malignant Melanoma (MM): If detected early, SCC is curable in 95% of cases 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 It occurs primarily in fair-skinned, middle aged and elderly people who have had long-term sun exposure * SA Statistics as per National Cancer Registry (NCR) 2007

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 to skin type Avoid sunbeds and sunlamps

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 UVradiation 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

Which UV apparel (clothing) and hats should be used? 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? 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.