Page 36 - Fourways Gardens March 2021

Health & Wellness

of the face, arms and hands along with the applied but once the cancer has started to loved ones can be the first crucial step.
lower legs if out in shorts. What they often spread, an oncologist needs to be consulted There can be other conditions that mimic
don’t consider is the back of the neck, the and further treatment will be advised on a melanoma, for example, and there can be
feet and the ears, including inside and case by case basis,” says Dr Tshabalala. other reasons for unusual marks on the
behind the ears,” he says. skin but it is best to get these checked out
According to Dr Pitamber, it is during one’s quickly, particularly when it comes to moles
The most common types of skin cancer are youth when the course for skin health is or birthmarks. A malignant melanoma
squamous cell carcinoma, which develops set. As much as 80% of the damage that needs to be addressed urgently to prevent
in the squamous cells that make up the will start to show up later in life is caused spreading, as this can be life-threatening,”
middle and outer layers of the skin; and by sun-induced skin damage that occurred cautions Dr Pitamber.
basal cell carcinoma, which most often by or before the age of 18 - 21 years. This
occurs when DNA damage from exposure is why parents are advised to take extreme
to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or precautions in protecting the skin of their What to look out for
the use of indoor tanning beds triggers children from an early age. Dr Tshabalala and Dr Pitamber suggest the
changes in basal cells in the outermost layer ABCDE checklist below for moles:
of skin, resulting in uncontrolled growth. “Sunblock needs to be applied liberally on A – Asymmetry (one half different to the
Cutaneous melanoma is thought to be all areas of the body that are exposed to other half)
triggered by intense, occasional exposure the sun including the hands, feet, neck and B – Border irregularities (scalloped or poorly
to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun ears as these areas are often neglected. A defined edges)
or tanning beds, especially in people who hat with a wide brim protecting the back C – Colour (moles with more than one colour,
are genetically predisposed to the disease. of the neck as well as the face is a must, or changes occurring in the colour)
and appropriate UV protective clothing D – Diameter (larger than 6mm)
Dr Tshabalala notes that basal cell carcinoma should be worn together with sunscreen E – Elevation (becoming raised and more
rarely metastasizes while squamous cell when swimming, as UV light penetrates prominent)
carcinoma can metastasize if not caught water as well. Sunglasses are important for
early, with a tendency to spread to the brain protecting the eyes too,” he cautions.
via the lymph nodes. Cutaneous melanoma Any lesion that is crusted, not healing,
has the highest risk of metastasising and, if “Turning 21 does not mean you are out of ulcerating or continuously bleeding should
left unchecked and untreated, will spread the woods when it comes to sun damage,” alert you to possible basal or squamous cell
to the lymph nodes nearest the affected adds Dr Pitamber. “Adults need to make carcinoma.
lesion, mole or birthmark. the conscious effort of applying sunblock
daily, even if most of the day is spent
“From there, it can affect multiple organs inside, as forming this habit can save your Prevention is better than cure
as the cancer starts to spread through the life. Reapplication of sunblock is necessary Dr Pitamber recommends these precautions
body. It is for this reason that we must every two to three hours if you are out in to help prevent skin cancer:
try to diagnose skin cancer as early on as the sun, for example in the garden or on the • Use sunscreen every day, after moisturiser
possible, while it is still only at the surface. golf course,” says Dr Pitamber. and before make-up, if you use it.
The only way to cure skin cancer is to cut • Choose a sunblock with at least a sun
it out – chemotherapy does not work “Finally, checking your body for any protection factor (SPF) of 30, or a 50+
for melanoma. There are some targeted unusual pigmented spots or pointing SPF depending on skin type. Look out for
therapies and other modalities that can be out any changes you may notice on your sunscreens bearing the CANSA Seal of
Recognition (CSOR).
• Reapply liberally every two to three hours.
• Stay out of the sun between 10:00 and
16:00.
• Wear a hat, protective clothing and
sunglasses when you are outside.

Dr Tshabalala adds that while the reporting
of skin cancer has improved, there is room
for further improvement. “It is important
for South Africans of all colour to be aware
of just how at risk we are in this very sunny
climate. Precautions need to be taken at all
times and any irregularities in the skin must
be checked. It is tragic when something that
could so easily have been stopped in its
tracks is left to develop into cancer elsewhere
in the body,” she concludes. “Prevention is
better than cure. Rather be safe than sorry.”

Fourways Gardens • 34 • March 2021