Proper sun protection is a key measure to prevent melanoma. Equally important is the timely control of any new mole or change in an existing nevus, as early diagnosis increases the chances of a better prognosis.
The cancers of the skin they are frequent. There are two categories: non-melanoma and melanoma.
The first ones are many more but often unrecorded or are not reported in the epidemiological data of various countries, due to the fact that they are easily curable. From the data of the IARC P.O.Y. for 2022, approximately 1,350,000 new cases were estimated worldwide.
OR second category includes melanomaa form of cancer that can become life-threatening. In 2022, approximately 332,000 new cases were recorded worldwide (IARC of P.O.Y.). It is estimated that it will there has been an increasing trend in the appearance of new cases the next 20 years.
Eye and skin protection from the sun is urgent
The sun is vital for her health and our well-being. At the same time, however, our reckless exposure to the sun and without the necessary precautions also carries risks for the skin us.
What needs to be done so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of the sun limiting risks?
-Skin and eye protection
-Protective clothing
-A wide-brimmed hat that covers the ears and neck
-Glasses that absorb ultraviolet rays (because serious damage is caused to this organ as well)
– 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun, apply sunscreen with a protection index of at least SPF >30.
Child protection is essential:
1) Infants up to 6 months should not are exposed to solar radiation.
2) Infants: minimal exposure with bare body to the sun protected with sunscreen with a high protection index (SPF 50). They should not stay in the sun for too long.
3) Older children playing in the sun should wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and be clothed, applying sunscreen to exposed parts of the body.
Avoid exposure to the sun between the hours of 11.00-16.00 (hours when solar radiation is strongest).
-Repeat sunscreen application every two hours or less.
-Caution in seas and swimming pools: Ultraviolet radiation reaches even inside the water. The burn may be milder, but the radiation works.
-Solar radiation also works under a beach umbrella, since it is reflected from the surface of the beach. The passengers of a boat or inflatable boat also receive ultraviolet radiation, even if it has an awning that shades us, due to the reflection of the rays from the surface of the sea.
Who needs to be more careful?
Not all skins are just as sensitive to solar radiation.
There are 6 skin types:
1) Skin type I (extremely sensitive to the sun): Fair skin, often with blue/green eyes and red/blonde hair. Always burning, never blackening.
2) Skin type II (very sensitive to the sun): Fair skin, blue eyes, blonde/brown hair. Burns easily, blackens little.
3) Skin type III (least sensitive to the sun): Light brown skin, brown hair, brown/grey eyes. Moderate burn, gradually darkens to light brown.
4) Skin type IV (least sensitive to the sun): Light brown/olive skin. Burns slightly, browns well to medium brown.
5) Skin type V (not sensitive to the sun): Brown/dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans well.
6) Skin Type VI (Sun Insensitive): Skin with dark pigmentation/black. Never burns, with intense coloration.
People with many moles (olives), patients taking immunosuppressive drugs and the elderly should be more careful with the sun.
Attention is also needed for those who work in closed spaces, protected from the sun and are suddenly exposed to the sun (e.g. when they go swimming at the weekend or on vacation).
The sun needs attention not only in relation to the sea, but also in places with altitude (mountains). Especially on sunny days with snow around.
Finally, there is a strong recommendation against exposure to UV radiation indoors (Solarium). The IARC of P.O.Y. has classified this practice as a class I carcinogen, like smoking.
