Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand

Sun Sense

Remember when we used to lie in the sun for hours on end thinking how much good it was doing us? SPF sunscreens were unheard of and the deeper the tan the healthier we felt. Skin peeling off our backs a couple of times each summer and the constant crust on top of the nose were not seen as cause for concern. With the incidence of skin cancer rising dramatically over the last few years, we are now looking at sunning ourselves a little differently.

It is still possible to enjoy time in the sun so long as we "slip, slap and slop" with t-shirts, sunhats and sunscreen. In fact some sun is good for us as it is the best way for bodies to get vitamin D which is essential for healthy bones and teeth and nerve function (among other things).

However, as reported in the Age Concern Newspaper, 'Positive Living' , February-March 2002 issue, New Zealand currently has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, with 1 in 26 people predicted to develop this lethal and fast-acting form of cancer. This may be due in part to the high rate of damaging UV in our sunlight, which has increased by 15% in the last 20 years.

Malignant melanoma is the uncontrolled growth of tanning cells in the skin. This is potentially fatal. These cancerous legions can be removed surgically providing that the cancer is detected early.

ABCD

It is important to keep watch on our skin, looking for changes in moles and any that are new. The ABCD criteria is applied when looking at them.

Asymmetrical - have distinct or irregular Borders, have more than one Colour, or have a Diameter greater than 5mm.

It is very important that new and changing moles be detected early.

People at higher risk are those with many large or unusual moles, a family history of skin cancer or who have had skin cancer previously. People who have had sunburns in the past, particularly when young have a higher risk, as well as people who have had high exposure due to work or sport.

Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, while not fatal, can still be both dangerous and disfiguring. The rate of general skin cancer in New Zealand is very high with 2 out of 3 people predicted to develop it at some stage.

A way of detecting and diagnosing skin cancer can be done through a digital melanogram (known as MoleMap). It is done by using a combination of high resolution ELM digital scans with specialist dermatologist analysis and diagnosis.

If you would like more information contact your doctor or telephone 0800 MOLEMAP or click here to go to their website.

Other Websites of Interest

The New Zealand Cancer Society has great information on all aspects of how to stay safe in the sun.
The Ministry of Health website discusses the effects of ultra violet radiation on us.
The Cancer Centre of the Everybody website gives lots of information about cancer including skin cancer.
New Zealand Dermatological Society features information about skin cancer.
SunSmart New Zealand promotes sun safety in New Zealand. SunSmart is the national brand for sun safety. Being SunSmart in New Zealand is crucial. The unique environment makes the population particularly vulnerable to damaging ultraviolet rays. There are the clear skies and the closeness to the sun. View their website for further information. A must is their MetService so you can check out the UV Index for your area.

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 30/06/2010