Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. According to research conducted by CANSA, South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultra violet (UV) levels in the world. As a result of this, we have one of the highest skin cancer rates globally.
With this in mind, during the December holidays Liberty erected 500 umbrellas and handed out more than 3 000 bottles of sunscreen on Durban’s North and South Beaches, providing beach-goers much needed relief from the hot sun.
With thousands of holidaymakers relaxing in the shade of Liberty umbrellas, it was an opportune time to speak to a large number of people about their skincare habits under the hot South African sun. Liberty surveyed more than 500 adults to find out what they do to protect their skin from the sun.
While 63% of all respondents said sunscreen plays an important role in their lives, understanding about when to use sunscreen raised serious concerns.
Among those surveyed, when it comes to applying sunscreen at the beach:
- 33% apply sunscreen once a day
- 11% re-apply sunscreen after they swim
- 20% surveyed never apply sunscreen at the beach
- 46% don’t apply sunscreen on a cloudy day
The reality is that every South African who spends a lot of time in the hot sun increases their risk of developing skin cancer. CANSA’s research shows that, while people with darker skins are less susceptible, as their skin contains natural melanin, the majority of basal cell carcinomas, in people with darker skins, occur in sun-exposed skin. That means everyone in the sun needs sunscreen.
The good news is that respondents to the survey understand the importance of applying sunscreen regardless of complexion. When asked if people with a darker skin should use sunscreen, 76% said yes, 10% were uncertain and 12% didn’t know.
“We’re not at the end of summer yet, so if you or your children are spending time in the hot South African sun, be sure to apply generous amounts of sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher,” Liberty’s medical officer, Dr Thabani Nkwanyana, advises. “Wear sunglasses and a broad hat, or stay in the shade particularly at the hottest time of the day – usually between 10am and 4pm.”
Furthermore, “Screening and early detection of cancer save lives,” Dr Nkwanyana adds. “Always take note of changes in your skin, such as spots that were not there before, or moles that have changed in appearance. Regular check-ups with your GP or dermatologist can help map out and identify skin lesions that may not be visible or noticeable to an individual. Surgical removal or medical burning of the lesion often cures cancer if detected and treated early or before it spreads, but prevention is always better than cure.”
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