Be sun smart to avoid cancer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. With February 4 being observed as World Cancer Day, this year the theme is ‘Teaching children and teenagers to avoid UV exposure by being sun smart’.

However, the good news is that according to city oncologists and dermatologists, skin cancer is definitely not a major concern among Indian or Asian skin, as it is in Caucasian skin types.

“In India, skin cancer is much less compared to the white population. Indians have melanin pigmentation in the skin that makes it look wheatish. Melanin acts as a natural protection against the harmful effects of the ultra-violet rays of the sun,” said Dr Radhyeshyam Nayak, medical oncologist, HCG.

Australians are most vulnerable to skin cancer. “With white skin types, Australians are exposed to tropical climate, thus leading to skin cancer. The incidence rate is five times higher in Australia and the western world as compared to India,” said Dr Nayak.
However, the doctor alerts that too much of skin exposure to the sun for anyone is not good.

“Though our skin has natural protection against UV rays of the sun, too much of exposure to sun is not good. Thus, a sun protection is a must, especially before getting exposed to the afternoon sun,” added the doctor.

Over exposure to the sun rays may give rise to other complications in an Indian skin, said dermatologists. “Indian skin is always at the risk of tanning and photoaging, if not skin malignancy,” said Dr M K Shetty, dermatologist with Dr Shetty’s Skin and Cosmetic Clinic.

Usage of the right sun block with SPF of 30 or above, either in the form of cream, lotion or gel, is important, said Dr Shetty. “The problem is that most women either don’t apply sufficient amount of the sun block or don’t re-apply it at the right time. One needs to apply sun block once in every two-and-half to three hours when under sun and once in every 45 minutes to an hour if under water,” he said.

But is it advisable for children to apply these? Not on a regular basis unless she/he attains 14 to 16 years of age. Till then, children can apply sun block occasionally like on a day-long excursion or sports day, said Dr Shetty.

Moreover, physical sun block containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is best suited for tender skins and for those who generally get allergies from sunscreens, he added.