The link between ozone depleting substances and skin cancer

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It destroys and replaces normal skin cells and tissues and, in some cases, can spread to other parts of the body. Most skin cancers start in the outer layer of the skin.

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancer is caused most often by overexposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure includes:

• Occasional intense sunlight exposure during childhood that causes severe sunburn and blistering
• Extensive sunlight exposure over many years
• Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds or sunlamps

Skin cancer usually affects the head, neck back, chest, shoulders.

How will I know if I have skin cancer? 

• A change in the skin, such as a growth
• An irritation or sore that does not heal
• Change in a wart or mole 

 

The role of the Ozone Layer  

Ozone is a natural susbstance which forms a thin layer known as the ozone layer found in the upper atmosphere. This ozone layer helps to filter UV radiation. Excessive unfiltered UV radiation caused by a damaged layer can lead to skin cancer.

What increases my risk of developing skin cancer? 

• Light skin colour (though persons with dark/pigmented skin are also at risk
• Having skin that freckles easily 
• Frequent, severe sunburns 
• Living in the tropics

 

 How to identify skin cancer?

• Remember the ABCs when checking your moles!
• Asymmetry: half of the mole does not match the shape of the other half
• Border (edges): the edges of the mole are not smooth
• Colour: the colour of the mole is uneven
• Diameter: the mole's diameter (width) is larger than a perncil's eraser
• Evolving: any change in a mole's appearance

 How can cancer be prevented?

• Spend less time in the sun, seek the shade
• When outdoors cover up; use hats, shoes, long pants and long-sleeve shirts
• Protect your eyes with wrap-around UV sunglasses
• Wear sunscreen to block UV-A and UV-B rays with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15
• Avoid UV rays from artificial sources, such as tanning beds or sunlamps
• Children's skin is more sensitive than adults' and sunburn more easily, therefore it should be even more rigorously protected
• Babies under one (1) year old should be kept out of direct sunlight