BY DR ROGER DOWN, MBBS, FRCS, FRACS, MD(Lond)
Last month, we discovered we all need our skin and sun exposure for a healthy life.
There is nothing wrong with a gradually acquired tan in Queensland, especially in summer, with no more than 15 to 20 minutes exposure at a time without ultraviolet protection. Do NOT sunbake or get sunburnt.
Races with pigmented skin are protected to a high degree from skin cancer. Skin cancer is uncommon in Africa and India. Skin pigment is a God-given protection against skin cancer, which is why people living in equatorial regions have pigmented skin.
Genetics play a major role in outcomes from sun exposure.
- The strawberry blonde complexion or albinos are much more prone to skin cancer than other Caucasians as they do not have – or are unable to – pigment their skin with gradual exposure to the sun. They need to cover up with clothing.
- People with a family history of skin cancers, especially basal cell cancers, are more prone to develop them.
- A family history of melanoma is the major risk factor for the development of melanoma. Melanoma is not primarily a sun cancer. Why? Sixty-five per cent occur in areas of the body where ‘the sun doesn’t shine’, either due to position or clothing. They can even occur in the gut.
If you have a family history of melanoma, we advise regular skin checks at least every six months from the age of 14 years! A dermoscopy of every pigmented lesion during a thorough skin check is essential. I have found early melanomas as small as 1mm in size.
It is not a cancer of old age. I have a family in which the mother and three teenage siblings were found to have – unbeknown to them – multiple melanomas and/or dysplastic naevi (pre-melanomas). Melanoma is a potentially lethal disease, but most are curable when found early. Level 1 melanomas are 100% curable, but continued surveillance for life is necessary.
More next time. Have fun, take care, and God bless.
