Kool-a-Sun Sunscreen

Skin Cancer from Sun Exposure

The alarming increase in Skin Cancer's show one the need for Sun Protection Lotions and Creams.
The incidence of Skin Cancer equals all the other forms of cancer combined.
It has been conclusively shown that exposure to UV Rays can lead to skin cancer.
Skin cancers develop typically from moles on our skin.

What is the appearance of a normal mole ?

  • A normal mole is typically brown, dark brown or even skin coloured.
  • They are typically round or oval in shape.
  • The mole normally has a diameter of less than 5mm.
  • They should be flat or can be slightly domed in shape.

What do Cancerous Moles look like?

Moles normally develop by the time we are 25, any moles appearing after that should immediately raise suspicion.

Things to look out for in Moles and Skin Cancers are:

  • A mole that is fast growing
  • Scaly growths on your skin
  • Skin sores that don't heal
  • A mole that itches or bleeds

The following simple ABCDE rules have been developed to help you identify any possible skin cancers.

  • A is for Asymmetry: Look closely at your moles, if you divide a mole in half the halves should look the same
  • B is for Border: A mole should have a clear defined edge, it should not fade into your skin, or have any irregular marks at there edges.
  • C is for Colour: A mole should have the same colour throughout. It should not show any discoloration over time. It should not have any purple, blue , white or pink colours.
  • D is for Diameter: A mole should have a diameter of 5mm or less. If you have a mole that is growing.
  • E is for Elevation: A mole should be flat or possibly slightly domed in shape. If you have a mole that is growing taller consult your family doctor.

If you have any Symptoms described above consult your family doctor
Remember 98% of Skin Cancers are easily treatable,
Allowing the cancer to spread from your skin into your body, and the odds of survival are greatly reduced.

Pictures of Skin Melanoma and Normal Skin

Pictures of cancerous moles

Alarming Skin Cancer Fact

Children Sun exposure in the first 20 years of life is a strong determinant for the risk of skin cancer.
Therefore sun protection throughout childhood and teenage years is probably crucial to preventing such carcinogenesis.
Direct sun exposure should probably be minimized in children, and if they must spend periods of time outside during the day, physical blockers such as clothing should be used; failing that, sunscreen's.
Sprays and gels should be used with caution in young children as they can irritate the skin and exacerbate atopic dermatitis.
Sunscreen's are not recommended for use in children less than 6-12 months of age in order to discourage unnecessary sun exposure. However, there is no strong reason to suggest that sunblock is harmful in this age group.

(REF: Gallagher RP, Hill GB, Bajdik CD et al. Sunlight exposure, pigmentary factors, and risk of nonmelanocytic skin cancer. I. Basal cell carcinoma. Arch Dermatol 1995; 131: 157-163.)

Further comparisons between healthy and unhealthy moles

Pictures of UV Cancerous Moles

How can I Prevent Skin Cancer

As most Skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV A and possibly UV B ( Or a combination of UV A AND UV B rays ) the simple answer is to avoid them, this this is unfortunately not practical or possible for the majority of people.

Use the following guidelines to minimize your risk to skin cancer

  • Avoid exposure to the Sun from 10AM to 3 PM
  • Always wear protective sun creams or clothing
  • Avoid the use of Tanning Booths, they also produce hazardous UV Rays
  • Wear a hat that casts shade all over your face, baseball style caps provide only limited protection, it is a far better idea to use a hat with a broad brim.
  • Don't forget to apply Suncream on overcast days, over 80% of the suns UV A and over 50% of the suns UV B rays can pass through clouds.
  • Re-Apply Suntan Lotion after swimming or every 2 hours in the sun
  • Make sure the sunscreen you are using has been dermatological tested for daily use, repeated exposure to non skin-friendly chemicals is also a suspected cause of skin cancer
  • There is overwhelming support to prove that the correct use of Sunblock and Sunscreen's diminishes your chance of getting Sun Induced Skin Cancer

All skin cancers are curable if treated in the early stages