It’s the beginning of summer, and the outside is open again. The past year kept people restricted to their homes, and they are itching to feel the sun on their skin again. However, before you storm the beaches, doctors are warning Bahamians to take preventative measures to avoid skin cancer.
With the rise of record-breaking heat over the last few years, there are reasonable concerns surrounding the sun’s effect on the skin.
Dr. Naiara Braghiroli, a dermatologist at Miami Cancer Institute who specializes in skin cancer, has dedicated her career to a fellowship and research in skin cancer and the use of reflectance confocal microscopy for the diagnoses of different types of benign and malignant skin lesions.
Dr. Braghiroli says that the sun’s UV rays are more intense during the summer months, particularly during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
She advised wearing sunscreen and a hat while outside and being vigilant about moles and sores on your skin.
“If you see any new or changing sores, as well as nodules or scars that don’t heal, it can be a potential sign of cancer,” she said.
A general rule to check for suspicious legions are asymmetrical in shape; the border is not smooth, but rather jagged, raised, or appears irregular; if it begins to change color, become darker, or look uneven in diameter, or if it grows in any way and an evolving appearance.
Although many believe that black people cannot get skin cancer, the possibility is present.
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“While it is true that skin cancer is less prevalent in dark-skinned populations, anyone regardless of their skin color or heritage can develop skin cancer, especially when they are exposed to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds for an extended period,” she said.
Genetics and family history can also play a part. For example, those with a family history of skin cancer should have their bodies examined by a healthcare professional annually.
When it comes to melanoma, one of the types of skin cancer, individuals having three or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with melanoma are at a higher risk of developing it themselves.
Other risk factors include having many moles (more than 50) and scars from previous wounds. Additionally, individuals who have HPV, smoke, or are immunosuppressed, are also at greater risk for developing skin cancer.
“Skin cancer can also show up in places that are rarely, if ever, exposed to sunlight. These include areas between the toes, on the soles of the feet, in the eyes (known as ocular melanoma), and on genitalia,” she said.
“With the Bahamas being in a tropical climate where people spend a lot of time outdoors, it is essential to know about sun safety, including the appropriate way to apply sunscreen and other protective measures, such as wearing a hat or UV protective clothing,” Dr. Braghiroli said.
She recommends a product with an SPF of 30 or higher and to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside and then reapplying at least every two hours.
So, before frolicking in the sun, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing such as hats and UV protective clothing, and if you see something abnormal, seek counsel from your dermatologist.
