South Africa has the 2nd highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia, as far as Caucasians are concerned. Read more about Skin cancer, symptoms and prevention: http://www.cansa.org.za/be-sunsmart/

2. Skin cancer is one of the most
common cancers in South Africa

3. What is skin cancer?
• Skin cancer is the result of
skin cell damage
• It begins in the lower part
of the epidermis (the top
layer of the skin)

4. Be safe in the sun
• Avoid direct sunlight between 10am & 3pm.
Stay in the shade or under an umbrella UV
protective as much as possible
• Wear UPF protective clothing; wide brimmed
hats & UV protective clothes/swimsuits
• Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating
of UV400
• Always apply sunscreen regularly (SPF of 20 -
50) according to skin type
• Avoid sunbeds & sunlamps
• At least 80% of sun-induced skin damage occurs before the age of 18 and
only manifests later in life
The good news is that the risk of skin cancer can be reduced by respecting
the sun and following these tips:

5. How to reduce the risk of skin cancer
Spot-the-spot:
• Check your skin carefully every month
• Follow the ABCDE rules
• Ask a family member or friend to
examine your back and the top of your
head
• If you notice any warning signs – see a
doctor or dermatologist immediately

6. Warning Signs for skin cancer - ABCDE
• A-symmetry – a mole or mark with one half
unlike the other (not symmetrical).
Common moles are round and symmetrical
• Border irregularities – scalloped/poorly
defined edges. Common moles are smooth
and have even borders
• Colour changes – tan, black, brown, red,
white, blue. Common moles are usually a
single shade of brown or black
• Diameter – larger than 6mm
• Evolve – grows bigger and becomes more
prominent

7. Risk Factors

8. Risk Factors

9. Risk Factors

10. Get educated – know the lingo
• SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and is
usually found on sunscreen bottles. It is a
measure of how well it protects your skin
against UV rays and indicates how long you
could spend in the sun before burning when
protected by sunscreen, compared to when
you have no sunscreen on. CANSA encourages
the use of SPF 20-50

11. Get educated – know the lingo
• UV refers to ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. UV rays have
disruptive effects on skin cells, which cause sunburn, and can
result in skin cancer
• CSOR is the CANSA Seal Of Recognition, found on CANSA-
approved sunscreen. It is a guarantee that the manufacturers of
these UV protective products comply with the strict criteria
developed by CANSA

12. Get educated – know the lingo
• UPF is similar to the SPF indication on
sunscreen, but UPF is usually found on
clothing. It indicates the Ultraviolet
Protection Factor of clothing, sunglasses and
hats, to protect you against the UV rays of
the sun
• Spot-the-spot is a term we refer to when
encouraging you to do self-examinations on
your skin. It is important to keep a track of
marks, moles and spots on your skin and to
make note of any changes. Make sure to
follow the ABCDE rules when doing these
self-exams

13. How to reduce the risk
of skin cancer
Screening:
• CANSA offers screening technology
for skin cancer through our mole-
mapping dermoscope device called
the FotoFinder
• This screening is available at some
CANSA Care Centres and Mobile
Health Clinics across the country
• Every client with suspicious skin
damage is referred for an intensive
skin evaluation.

14. Thank You!

15. Disclaimer:
Whilst the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has taken every precaution in
compiling this presentation, neither it, nor any contributor(s) to this presentation can be
held responsible for any action (or the lack thereof) taken by any person or organisation
wherever they shall be based, as a result, direct or otherwise, of information contained in,
or accessed through, this presentation.