Winter is upon us and that means dropping temperatures and less daylight. Most of us will be wearing many layers of clothing, but are we sun protected?
No matter how many layers we wear, parts of our face and hands tend to remain exposed to the sun's UV rays. Skincancer is the most common cancer in humans and the annual rates are increasing each year. While some people take onboard the SunSmart message during summer, many get complacent with their skin protection during winter.
Who is at risk? You have a greater risk of developing skin cancer if you have: spent your childhood in New Zealand or Australia; been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past; a family history of skin cancer; worked outdoors; recurrent sunburn; fair skin; blue or green eyes; and a large number of moles.
What should you look for? Any scaly sores that won't heal; small red or pearly lumps; any new spots, freckles or moles that change in colour, size, shape or thickness.
How can you examine yourself? Check your face, neck, ears, scalp, trunk, buttocks, arms, legs, hands, palms, feet, soles, and between fingers and toes and toe nails. It may help to use a hand held mirror or you may also ask someone to help you look in areas such as your back and scalp which you often cannot see.
Remember to protect your skin this winter by applying 30-plus sunscreen to exposed areas such as the face, lips, ears and hands, and don't forget to wear sun protective headgear for work, sports or just fun time out in the sun. Try to avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm. This is when UV rays are at their strongest. Skin cancers can develop at any time so sun protection measures and skin checks should not be neglected during winter.
