Page 13 - The Villager February 2021

What to look out for
dr tshabalala and dr Pitamber suggest
the abCde checklist below for moles:
a – asymmetry (one half different to the
other half)
b – border irregularities (scalloped or
poorly defined edges)
C – Colour (moles with more than one
colour, or changes occurring in the colour)
IMAGE BY JOWANNA DALEY FROM PIxABAY
d – diameter (larger than 6mm)
early on as possible, while it is still only should be worn together with sunscreen e – elevation (becoming raised and more
at the surface. the only way to cure skin when swimming, as Uv light penetrates prominent)
cancer is to cut it out – chemotherapy does water as well. Sunglasses are important for
not work for melanoma. there are some protecting the eyes too,” he cautions.
targeted therapies and other modalities “turning 21 does not mean you are any lesion that is crusted, not healing,
that can be applied but once the cancer out of the woods when it comes to sun ulcerating or continuously bleeding
has started to spread, an oncologist needs damage,” adds dr Pitamber. “adults need should alert you to possible basal or
to be consulted and further treatment will to make the conscious effort of applying squamous cell carcinoma.
be advised on a case by case basis,” says sunblock daily, even if most of the day is
dr tshabalala. spent inside, as forming this habit can
according to dr Pitamber, it is during save your life. reapplication of sunblock Prevention is better than cure
one’s youth when the course for skin is necessary every two to three hours if dr Pitamber recommends these
health is set. as much as 80% of the you are out in the sun, for example in the precautions to help prevent skin cancer:
damage that will start to show up later garden or on the golf course.” • Use sunscreen every day, after
in life is caused by sun-induced skin “Finally, checking your body for any moisturiser and before make-up (if you
damage that occurred by or before the unusual pigmented spots or pointing out use it).
age of 18 - 21 years. this is why parents any changes you may notice on your loved • Choose a sunblock with at least a sun
are advised to take extreme precautions ones can be the first crucial step. there can protection factor (SPF) of 30, or a 50+
in protecting the skin of their children be other conditions that mimic melanoma, SPF depending on skin type. look out
from an early age. for example, and there can be other for sunscreens bearing the CanSa Seal
“Sunblock needs to be applied liberally reasons for unusual marks on the skin but of recognition (CSor).
on all areas of the body that are exposed to it is best to get these checked out quickly, • reapply liberally every two to three
the sun including the hands, feet, neck and particularly when it comes to moles or hours.
ears as these areas are often neglected. a birthmarks. a malignant melanoma • Stay out of the sun between 10:00 and
hat with a wide brim protecting the back needs to be addressed urgently to prevent 16:00.
of the neck as well as the face is a must, spreading, as this can be life-threatening,” • Wear a hat, protective clothing and
and appropriate Uv protective clothing cautions dr Pitamber. 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.”
IMAGE BY THOMAS G. FROM PIxABAY
The Villager • Issue 2 2021 • 11