Page 35 - Fourways Gardens March 2021

Health & Wellness

the dAnGeRs of sKin cAnceR

ARe not onLY sKin deeP

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People of all skin types and skin people often do not realise. “Skin cancer “The hard truth is that skin cancer spares

colour are urged to avoid tragedy is often thought of as being quite literally no one,” says dermatologist, Dr Hetesh
only on the surface of our bodies. Yet the
Pitamber who practises at Netcare
by taking precautions, and threat is not only skin deep – without Sunninghill Hospital. “There tends to be
checking irregularities. early treatment skin cancer can spread, a general misconception that people of
colour are safe from developing skin cancer
metastasising to other organs.”
because their skins are darker and therefore
outh Africans spend a great many According to the Cancer Association of less sensitive to the sun. However, this
hours outdoors. All the while, the South Africa (CANSA), skin cancer is the is simply not the case. While the disease
sun above, providing warmth and most common cancer worldwide, and is certainly more common amongst the
Senergy necessary for our survival, is as South Africa has one of the highest Caucasian population, it affects us all.”
also posing one of the greatest risks to our monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the
health if we do not protect ourselves from world, it also has one of the highest Dr Pitamber cautions that everyone needs to
its dangerous cancer-causing rays. incidences of skin cancer globally. UVB rays keep a close eye on any pigmented lesions
can cause sunburn within fifteen minutes, on the palms of their hands and soles of their
According to Dr Dineo Tshabalala, a resulting in permanent damage, while UVA feet as well as their nails. Everyone should be
www.patiowarehouse.co.za | 087 825 1120 medical oncologist practising at Netcare rays can contribute to ageing the skin and aware of the risk areas, with the parts of the
Olivedale Hospital, if left undetected, DNA damage. Damage from both UVA and body exposed to sun more often being most
Centurion - 012 657 9400 | Randburg - 011 801 0820 | Cape Town - 021 526 7240 skin cancer can be devastating in ways UVB rays can lead to skin cancer. vulnerable. “People tend to think mostly
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Fourways Gardens • 33 • March 2021