Get screened for skin cancer

Do something for yourself this Spring Day and get yourself screened for skin cancer National Skin Cancer Screening Day now set to become a reality for South Africans On 1 September 2014 several of South Africa’s leading dermatologists participated in a pilot project which involved the free skin cancer screening of South Africans.

According to Dr Derek Odendaal, President of the South African Society for Dermatological Surgery, and a founder member of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA), last year’s landmark event has laid the foundations for an annual national skin cancer screening day on the first day of spring every year.

“With this initiative, the SCFSA is calling on South African dermatologists to take part in a National Skin Cancer Screening Day but more important, we are urging the public to get themselves screened and to become sun savvy before it is too late,” asserts Odendaal.

With National Skin Cancer Screening Day, it is the aim of the SCFSA to mobilise dermatologists to reach as many South Africans as possible – particularly those who would ordinarily not be afforded the opportunity of being screened.

The ultimate aim is to raise awareness and to encourage early detection for what has become a life-threatening disease.

Commenting on the objectives of National Skin Cancer Screening Day, co-founder and specialist dermatological and laser surgeon Dr Marc Roscher said the aim is to raise public awareness through the sharing of information that will assist in the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

“To do this, we as dermatologists have pooled our resources to work together to help raise awareness for the dangers associated with excessive exposure to the sun. Few people realise this but SA has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.

Because of the tremendous shortage of dermatologists in our country, as much as 79% of the population will never be afforded the opportunity to be screened for skin cancer.

With the aid of National Skin Cancer Screening Day we are wanting to ensure that those who are unable to afford private care, will not be left unscreened and compromised because of a disease that can so easily be treated,” added Dr Roscher.

According to Dr Roscher, SCFSA has secured support from many more dermatologists this year and is hoping to double, if not treble, the number of patients who were screened during the 2014 pilot programme.

The SCFSA will provide dermatologists with skin cancer screening protocols and the necessary paperwork in order to standardise the screenings. All information obtained during the screenings will be collated and passed on to the SCFSA for analysis. Information will be shared as part of a post-screening campaign.

“We are inviting the public to visit our website http://skincancerfoundation.org.za/news/ in order to set up an appointment with one of the participating dermatologists. Names and contact details of dermatologists are published on the website and appointments can be set up on a first come, first served basis.

Given the intensive nature of the screening, each participating dermatologist will be able to see only 10 patients on 1 September.” The SCFSA has appealed to all dermatologists to make themselves and their resources available to screen patients on a pro bono basis.

Mole-mapping procedures will not be undertaken, but dermatologists will guide and inform patients on what to look out for. Patients will also be taught how to inspect themselves and their families for early signs of skin cancer, while sharing the best prevention methods with them.

Sunburn advice from the Skin Cancer Foundation of SA

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that has been caused by over exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.

This can create a number of complications. For example, when temperatures soar, protection is needed against heat rash, heat stroke and sunburn. A sunscreen or total sunblock is an important accessory when heading outdoors.

If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun, since it takes that long to be absorbed into the skin.

The SPF (sun protection factor) in a sunscreen provides an indication of the amount of protection offered.

For example, a tested SPF of 23 implies that the user can remain in the sun twenty-three times longer than without protection, before burning.

Before applying sunscreen, check the expiry date on the bottle and replace it if necessary. Shake the bottle before applying, and reapply lotion after sunbathing, towel drying, or sweating heavily.

In the event of over exposure to the sun, apply cool tap water compressed for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times per day, until the redness subsides.

This can provide immense relief since the evaporating water will moisten and cool the skin.

A sunburn relief spray or moisturising cream will further ease discomfort.

Doctors strongly caution against using petroleum jelly on a burn, since it will seal out the air needed to ensure healing. In the case of severe sunburn, blistering, pain, nausea or chills, a doctor should be called immediately.

Steroid ointments or creams may be prescribed, and large blisters might have to be drained and dressed.

• Don’t wait for a healthy red glow to appear before reaching for your hat or sunblock. In fact, most sunburns do not reach their peak colour until six to 24 hours after sun exposure.

• Always wear protective clothing, hats and shirts before going out into the sun;

• Even 30 minutes in the sun without protection is too long.

• Remember, as you move inland, above sea level, the sun’s rays become more intense;

• Avoid being out in the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest;

• Don’t skip the sunscreen when it is slightly overcast, particularly not if you are on the beach, since ultraviolet light can penetrate light cloud cover;

• Exposure to the sun while overdressed only adds to skin distress. So do thick lotions and oils;

• Beware of the glare, particularly at the seaside, where you are unlikely to find natural shade.

• UVA rays pass through glass. A person sitting near a window (unless tinted for sun screening) is also susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun.