With summer in sight and sunshine available in abundance, you must be excited to be out in parks and on beaches and soak in all the sun. But, before you do that, think again, is being in the sun really that healthy?
1 out of 5 Belgians will have skin cancer by the age of 75. Skin cancer, in all its forms, is today the most common cancer in Belgium. [1] Research has shown a direct correlation between accumulated sun exposure and the risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The risk increases with increasing ultraviolet radiation; the highest densities occurring on the most sun-exposed parts of the body. [2]
So, is all lost? Not really, skin cancer is preventable and, if caught early, treatable. It is imperative to take action and ensure you stay protected.
- Enjoy the sun responsibly
Apply SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Wear a hat, slip into protective clothing and slide a pair of sunglasses whenever you step out into the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds at all costs
Just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 20%. Avoid intentional tanning to reduce your risk.
- Check your skin regularly
Skin cancer is the cancer you can SEE. Monitor your skin regularly for the appearance of new spots or changes in the existing ones. You can use the SkinVision application at home to detect the risk of the most common types of skin cancer. You can also set reminders and track all your skin spots in one place.
Sources:
1. Stitchting tegen kanker
2. WHO (UV Radiation and Skin Cancer
