Skin Cancer Has 3 Main Types
1) Basal Cell Carcinoma,
2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma,
3) And Malignant Melanoma.
Who Is Most At Risk For Skin Cancer?
✔ Those with fair skin, particularly if you have red hair, moles, or skin spots.
✔ Have a family history of melanoma, as according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 10 patients have a close family member with skin cancer.
✔ You work or do sports outdoors (basically have lots of exposure to the sun).
Skin Cancer In South Africa
South Africa’s beautiful, but harsh, climate means we have one of the highest monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world. This means we have one of the top occurrences of skin cancer globally.
So monitoring for skin cancer is really important. The best thing you can do is be aware of it, and get tested. Keep in mind that the risk is particularly bad in summer, when the sun’s UV rays do the most damage.
Learn more on how to be SunSmart using CANSA’s information sheet by clicking here.
How Can you Avoid Skin Cancer?
✔ At least 80% of damage to the skin from the sun develops before the age of 18 and doesn’t turn up until later in life.
✔ Whether in the pool, at the beach, at playtime, or at college, it is important to take preventative measures when kids are in the sun.
✔ Never expose toddlers under one-year-old to direct sunlight.
What Is Melanin? How It Protects Against The Sun
People with darker skin tones are less likely to develop skin cancer because their skin has more natural melanin, which shields against sun damage.
Melanin is a substance in the body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. The more that is there, the darker the pigmentation (colour) in your skin.
Melanin gives protection against the UV rays of the sun. But, this pigmination does not give you 1000% protection so people who are darker in complexion still need to use sunscreen and take the same precautions (Wright, 2020).
Like Our Articles?
If you want to read more articles like this, join our monthly newsletter! We release insider info on what the health research industry is taking a look at each month.
Book with Epicentre
For 20 years Epicentre has been fighting South African’s infectious diseases, and now we’re taking on COVID-19! We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa.
We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for 20 years in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
Drive-Thru COVID-19 PCR test
All branches – FREE!
(Not for travel)
Epicentre offers
Walk-In Lab
Please note that our packages are just a guide, you can pick any of these tests in these packages, add extra tests or take out any tests. Choose what suits your needs!
Drive-Thru COVID Tests
Contact Us
Ready to talk? Contact us today for a free consultation!
