Sunburn acquired, especially in childhood, increases the risk of developing melanoma, so let’s protect children in hot weather, says Dr. Michał Piątek, clinical oncologist from the University Center for Ophthalmology and Oncology in Katowice.
People with a certain so-called phototypies, that is, with light complexion, blonde or red hair, blue eyes. Freckled people should also be careful. Tanning is a type of burn – from lower to higher intensity, Dr. Piątek told PAP.
He indicated that in strong sunlight it is necessary to take care of children in particular. It is believed that childhood sunburn increases the risk of developing melanoma by an estimated 200-300%. Therefore, when we go to the sun with children, we should mainly think about them, because they are the easiest way to work for cancer in the future – emphasized the oncologist.
The specialist noted that children should not stay in strong sunlight between 11-15, in addition, lubricate them with sunscreen, put on protective clothing and headgear.
We can sunbathe in two ways: natural or artificial, but it should be remembered that the number of cases of melanoma has doubled in the last 10 years. This also applies to tanning beds. Unfortunately, the average age of young Polish women using such services is currently 17 years. Seven European countries have already banned the use of sunbeds by minors after the WHO announced in 2009 that it was an equally serious cancer incidence factor as tobacco and asbestos, he added.
In fact, we all consistently work on it all the time – it’s a bit like smoking, the disease may appear after many years – he points out.
According to the oncologist, the red light should be lit by every person who notices something new on the skin that has not been there so far, or the emerging differences in an already existing change. Pay attention to: asymmetry (whether the lesion is circular or oval), color (non-uniform) and size (more than 5 mm). It is also important whether the change is floating and its boundaries are jagged. This does not mean that we have melanoma right away, but it is a signal that we need to see a doctor – said Dr. Piątek.
He added that the use of sunscreen is very important. We lubricate ourselves often. Not once a day, but every hour or two. As for the filter height (index), the data in this case is not clear, but it shows that a filter above SPF 15 should be used – he added.
According to Dr. Five is not true that the high index of the cream reduces the production of vitamin D in the body, necessary, among others. for healthy bones and well-being. The sun promotes the production of vitamin D, but you need to know that in the summer time less than 10 minutes a day is enough for the body to produce enough of it, and in winter – several minutes. We do not need a longer exhibition for this purpose – he added.