As we commemorate World Cancer Day on February 4th, the importance of raising awareness about preventable cancers, such as skin cancer, comes into focus. Dr. Cebi Sibisi, Founder of Dr. Cebi Dermatology, shares expert advice on protecting your skin, early detection and lowering your risk of skin cancer.
Did you know that skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world?
Skin Cancer: Not Just a Summer Risk
“Protecting your skin from UV exposure isn’t just a summer priority,” says Dr. Sibisi. “Cumulative sun exposure over years is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers, while sunburn plays a bigger role in development of melanoma. UV rays can harm your skin all year-round, even on cloudy days. They reflect off surfaces like water and sand, making vigilance essential.”
Skin cancer can affect individuals of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Dr. Sibisi emphasises that, “It’s a myth that only fair-skinned individuals are at risk. Although people with darker skin may have a lower risk of skin cancer, they can still develop it. Skin cancer in darker complexion is often diagnosed late and often occurs in hidden areas like the soles of the feet, posing a higher morbidity rate. No one is immune, everyone needs to be proactive about sun safety.”
Sun Safety Checklist
Here are some practical steps to lower your risk of skin cancer:
- Slip on clothing that covers your skin, long sleeves, collared t-shirts
- Slop on sunscreen using SPF 50+, reapply every 2-3 hours for extended outdoor activities
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
- Seek shade – especially if outdoors between 10 am and 4 pm
- Slide on UV- blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Spot the unusual looking mole or lesion
- Stop tanning
- Do not sunburn
Early Detection
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer if left untreated and one’s risk can be lowered by protecting your skin from the sun. One sunburn in childhood significantly increases one’s risk of developing melanoma.
Dr. Sibisi recommends performing regular skin self-exams to identify any changes in moles or unusual new spots. “Catching skin cancer early can make all the difference. Remember the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma:”
- Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- Colour: Variations or change in colour, including shades of tan, brown or black
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution: Any changes in size, shape, or colour over time.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait, “Contact a dermatologist immediately to get it checked as melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer if left untreated,” advises Dr. Sibisi.
“Skin cancer is common, but the good news is that it’s often preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Take steps today to protect your skin and encourage others to do the same, not just on World Cancer Day, but throughout the year ahead,” Dr. Sibisi concludes.
