HOW TO DO TO REDUCE THE RISKS OF GETTING SKIN CANCER ?

1. Sun protection

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of the occurrence of skin cancer in organ transplant patients. Sun exposure is not only sunbathing in a deckchair in a swimming suit. You must think you are exposed each time you have any outdoor activities: gardening, walking, sports, or long distance in the car even with closed windows. Certain sun exposure conditions are more aggressive: sea-side, snow, mountain (reflection, altitude). The most efficient way to protect during outdoor activities:

Protective clothing:

Despite the good efficacy of current sunscreens, protective clothing is fundamental. If you have to spend a whole day outdoor, you have to protect your face with a broad-brimmed hat (cap does not protect neck nor ears), wear sunglasses, long sleeved shirts, pants or long skirts rather than short.

Sunscreens:

Apply sunscreens with the highest factor available against ultraviolet rays, protecting both against UVA and UVB (UVB protective factor > 25). These sunscreens have to be applied on the face and on non sun protected areas by clothes several times a day ( about every two hours, especially if you are bathing, or sweating (even with waterproof products). Perform these applications even with cloudy weather.
Avoid the most sunny hours between 11am and 4pm at the moment where sun light is strongest. Never use sun beds.

2. Self examination

Examine your skin each month to detect premalignant lesions or the beginning of cancers which may save your life. Any change of the aspect of your skin, whatever spots or elevations, must be indicated to your doctor.


EVERY PIMPLE OR CRUST OR WOUND WHICH DOES NOT HEAL SHOULD BE SHOWN TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST.


3. Skin examination by dermatologist

Your dermatologist should regularly examine all your skin (at least once a year) even if your self examination seems normal to you.


MOST SKIN CANCERS COULD BE AVOIDED. THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THE REGULAR EXAMINATION OF YOUR SKIN AND SUN PROTECTION.