Protecting your skin against the harmful effects of the sun should always be a priority and with December being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the message of skin protection is amplified.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, spokesperson Abulele Dyasi, says their skin cancer awareness key message they wish to convey to the public is, “Early detection saves lives”.

A skin cancer diagnosis can be alarming news to deal with, but what’s important to note in skin cancer prevention is knowing your risk factors and once being informed on this; proceed to taking practical steps to minimise your risk.

According to Dr Suretha Kannenberg, a dermatologist at the Tygerberg Hospital, skin cancer risk factors include being fair skinned, having light hair or eye colour (especially if you burn easily and rarely tan), those who have a history of intense or frequent sunburn, particulary during childhood, spending long hours in the sun without sun protection, having a personal or family history of skin cancer.

But emphasises Dr Kannenberg, although light skin, hair and eyes are risk factors, “Any skin tone can get skin cancer,” she says.

Moreover, Dr Kannenberg says people more at risk to contract skin cancer also include workers exposed in their work environments to harmful chemicals or radiation, and people with low and weakened immune systems, like in cases of organ transplant recipients.

Another risk factor includes your age. “While skin cancer can affect anyone at any age, it is more common in older adults due to cumulative sun exposure over time. However, certain types, like melanoma, are increasingly seen in younger adults due to tanning bed use or intense sun exposure,” says Dr Kannenberg.

The early detection of skin cancer is crucial, and this is why equipping oneself with the knowledge on skin cancer signs and symptoms can be lifesaving.

Dr Kannenberg says: “Early detection is critical and can make skin cancer highly treatable. When caught early, most types of skin cancer can be removed completely with minimal impact on health and appearance.

“Advanced cases, especially melanoma, can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.”

According to Dr Kannenberg, symptoms of skin cancer include a new mole or growth on the skin that looks unusual; a sore that doesn’t heal or keeps coming back; changes in an existing mole, such as changes in size, shape, or colour; a mole or growth that itches, bleeds, or crusts over; or any skin lesion with irregular edges, varied colours, or that appears different from others (the “ugly duckling” sign).

In addition to equipping oneself with symptoms to look out, regular screening checks at home is recommended. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said: “We recommend that individuals check their skin regularly for new growths (like moles or lumps) or changes in old growths. Seek medical assistance immediately if you notice a change, anything suspicious or have concerns.”

It's important to as soon as there is a suspicion of skin cancer to take note of any changes in size, shape, colour, or symptoms and inform your doctor or consult with a dermatologist as soon as you can. Dr Kannenberg says patients can also request referrals to specialists for biopsies or further examination.

Dr Kannenberg outlines the skin cancer treatment options. “Most skin cancers are curable, especially if medical professionals identify and treat them early. Surgery is usually the first option for skin cancers. If surgery does not work, is not an option, or if the cancer recurs, a person may need other treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy,” she says.

The most common treated skin cancers at the hospital where she is based is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), which says Dr Kannenberg, often develops due to intense episodes of sun exposure.

“Other common types include squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma, with melanoma being the most aggressive,” she adds.

Sun protection plays a huge role in preventing skin cancer. According to Dr Kannenberg up to 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are linked to UV exposure. Reducing this exposure and so lowering your risk can be done by always wearing sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during the peak hours when the sun is at its’ hottest. “Avoiding tanning beds is equally important,” she adds.

The Department of Health and Wellness echoes the importance of protecting one’s skin against the sun. The department advises people to make sun protection a daily prerequisite, irrespective of weather conditions. “Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (people with fair skin tones should wear sunscreens with SPF 50 or more), reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. Wear hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors,” they advise.