What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is a disease of the body's skin cells usually as a result of skin cell damage It begins in the lower layer of the epidermis (the outside layer of the skin)
Warning Signs for skin cancer - ABCD A-symmetry a 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
Types of skin cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): 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) 2004
Types of skin cancer Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This is the second most common skin cancer SCC is curable in 95% of cases, if detected early 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) 2004
Types of skin cancer Malignant Melanoma (MM): MM currently accounts for approximately 1% of all cancer deaths SA has one of the highest incidences of MM in the world MM can affect all ethnic and racial groups * SA Statistics as per National Cancer Registry (NCR) 2004
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
How to prevent skin cancer Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm. Stay in the shade or under an umbrella as much as possible Wear protective clothing; thickly-woven fabric hats with wide brims, UV protective clothes/swimsuits Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV400 Always apply sunscreen regularly (SPF 20-50) according to skin type Avoid sunbeds and sunlamps
Our view on sun beds Sun beds emit UVA and UVB both which can cause damage in the DNA of skin cells Sun beds deliver concentrated UVA radiation to unprotected skin and should be avoided It ages skin more rapidly while putting you at risk of developing skin cancer CANSA recently petitioned to ban the use of sun beds by youth under the age of 18 Sign up now on www.cansa.org.za
How to prevent skin cancer Spot the spot: Check your skin carefully every month Follow the ABCD 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 prevent skin cancer FotoFinder: Cutting edge screening technology for skin cancer Available at most CANSA Care Centres and Mobile Health Units countrywide
What is SPF? The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) listed on a bottle of sunscreen is a measure of how well it protects your skin against UVB rays It is the ratio of 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 5 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using a SPF 20 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 20 times longer (1½ to 2 hours on average)
What sunscreen and SPF should I use? 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 should not be used once opened after 1 year
What is the CSOR? The CSOR seal appears on approved sunscreen products It is your guarantee that the manufacturers of these UV protective products have complied with a strict set of criteria developed by CANSA CANSA is raising its seal standards and requirements In addition to current SA standards as of 1 April 2013, sunscreens have to comply with the European Colipa standards to exhibit the new Seal Old Seal New Seal Effective 1 April 2013
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 avoid 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
What UV apparel (clothing) and hats should I use? 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 proved the skin with 30 times the protection against UVR as compared to unprotected skin Unless otherwise stated, UPF rating applies to fabric when it is dry and new
What UV apparel (clothing) and hats should I use? Wear thickly-woven fabric hats with broad brims Avoid peak caps that leave the neck and ears exposed Look out for the CSOR Click to watch the CANSA SunSmart advert
Thank You!!