Did you know that 1 in 5 of us will develop Skin Cancer…? Most skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVA + UVB), and the damage caused is accumulative over time and permanent.
When it comes to UV exposure, the message is clear…
There is no safe way to get a tan.
UVB rays reach the outer layers of the skin and are the primary cause of a sunburn. UVA rays penetrate to the middle layer of the skin and is responsible for up to 80% of the visible signs of ageing. Both UVA & UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
The good news is that as skin cancer is mostly caused by Ultraviolet Radiation, the disease is almost entirely preventable by taking the right precautions!
If the UV Index is rated above 3 (anytime of the year and regardless of the weather), one should take precautions.
But what can you do to be safer in the sun…? Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide & find Shade.
- SLIP on clothing. The tighter the weave, the more protection offered.
- SLOP on SPF 30+, use a high quality sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB (not all do).
- SLAP on a wide brimmed hat.
- SLIDE on UV protective wide fitting sunglasses.
- SHADE from the sun between 11 am – 3 pm.
As UV radiation penetrates both cloud and clothing (to varying degrees), it is important to use both SPF 30+ and protective clothing, even on a cloudy day if the UV index is above 3.
People of all skin types are at risk of developing skin cancer and there no ‘safe’ level of sunbathing. But you don’t have to be ‘sunbathing’ to be at risk. If you are a person that work outside or enjoy frequent outdoor activities, you are still at risk.
Early detection is key to save lives!
If detected and treated early, almost all skin cancers (including melanoma) are curable. So, if you spot anything NEW, UNUSUAL or CHANGING, on your skin (anywhere on your body), you must seek immediate advice from your GP or Dermatologist. Below we have included a guide on ‘Self Examination Body Mapping‘ that we hope you will find useful.
Knowing the importance of early detection of any cancer and being in a position where we frequently see a lot of our clients’ skin, DC Andrea Luckhurst (Chiropractor) and April Marques (Sports Massage Therapist) have both recently completed a course in the early detection of Melanomas & Skin Cancers. With this knowledge, we aim to help our clients to stay safe in the sun and to keep an eye out for any signs of skin damage or skin changes that should be brought to the attention of a GP or Dermatologist.
Stay Sun Safe & Don’t Die to Get a Tan!
