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

 

 

NOU takes part in EduFest 2012

In commemoration of Cancer Awareness Month, on October 9^th, 2012  the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS) and Republic Bank Ltd hosted an awareness day to educate children about cancer and how to lead healthy lifestyles. EduFest 2012 was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, North Academy (NAPA).

There were several booths highlighting the various types of cancers affecting citizens. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) represented by Neera Singh and Anastasia Gordon attended and shared information on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer. 

There were a number of high schools and primary schools in attendance. These young people and their teachers were very enthusiastic and were well aware of ozone layer depletion and its effects. It was truly a pleasure to take part in this event.

Aerial view of NOU booth, Anastasia Gordon (right) and Neera Singh (left) interacting with a group of high school students

 

Anastasia Gordon interacting with a group of primary school students

Quiz Time! Anastasia Gordon and Neera Singh (NOU) testing students awareness of ozone depletion and its link to skin cancer

Key points to remember to protect yourself from UV radiation 
and prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Seek shade especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. 
• Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun.  
• Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. 
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. 
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.