3 days Ago By Tania Adams
It’s always a hard thing to fathom, that something you do today could affect you so terribly in 30 years. But that’s what most skin cancers are like, with many being the result of chronic sun exposure, and taking 15 to 30 years to develop. Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting kiwis, with over 80,000 skin cancers being treated each year including over 3000 cases of melanoma – the most dangerous of the skin cancers.
So what can you do to prevent skin cancer? Whether you are seven or 70, today is the day to start using good sun protection. First and foremost, consistency is key. Do not wait for a sunny day to start wearing sunscreen.
Every day is the day to wear sunscreen. Remember to apply it 15 minutes before leaving your home and re-apply every two hours when you are outdoors. Be sure to use a broad spectrum, SPF 50+ sunscreen and use the ‘rule of seven’ for how much to apply.
i.e. seven teaspoonfuls in total.
Use one teaspoonful for each arm, one for each leg, one for your front and one for your back torso, plus one for your face, including your neck and ears. It’s a known fact that people in America have more cancers on the left side of their face and people in New Zealand have more on the right side. Why? Because it is also important to wear sunscreen while you are in the car (Americans drive on a different side to us!) Plus don’t forget your lips, eyes and scalp by using a lip balm and having a pair of sunglasses and a hat to cover up.
If you notice any unusual or changing moles or sunspots, get them checked by your GP as soon as possible. There are also specialist skin cancer detection services you can use for an annual check-up. Recent studies show that nicotinamide, a type of vitamin B3, can reduce your risk of non-melanoma skin cancers by 23 per cent! The research also showed that treatment worked best in people with the highest levels of risk.
Check with your pharmacist to find out the right type of vitamin B3 and the correct dose for this treatment. By all means enjoy summer Coasties, but stay sun smart!.
