– avoid exposure, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., in mainland France (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. overseas). It is during these hours that the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun are the most intense;
– seek the shadow;
– apply high protection sunscreen (anti-UVB and anti-UVA index 50) every two hours to areas not protected by clothing. Be careful, however, “even an index 50 cream does not filter 100% UV rays. Using sunscreen should not lead you to increase the duration of sun exposure,” emphasizes Santé Publique France;
– wear dark, covering clothing, sunglasses with UV filter (category CE3 or 4) and a wide-brimmed hat;
– never expose a child under three years old to the sun and remember to particularly protect children and adolescents.
– monitor your skin and talk to your doctor.
It is also appropriate to protect yourself from artificial UV rays (dispensed by tanning devices) which are also “very dangerous for the skin” according to the INCa which recalls that there is no way to prepare your skin for the sun, “it is therefore completely ineffective to take capsules or even carry out artificial UV sessions in the cabin.
What are the other main risk factors for skin cancer?
– History of sunburn, especially during childhood.
– Many moles, especially if you have more than 50, asymmetrical and with a diameter of more than 5 mm.
– Your skin type or phototype. Some people are more sensitive to UV rays than others. Skin type or “phototype” is an important criterion: if your skin is fair, your hair is red or blond and you have difficulty tanning, particular vigilance is necessary.
– Personal or family history of skin cancer.
– An immunocompromised state.
To watch
“90% of skin cancers are cured if detected early! », assures the Inca. Hence the importance of regularly monitoring your skin. “Examining yourself regularly is essential in preventing skin cancer! The more familiar you are with your skin, the easier it is to spot what we call “the ugly duckling”. This spot, this mole which is different, and which must then alert us,” recalls the National Union of Venereological Dermatologists (SNDV). It is therefore recommended:
– a self-examination of the skin per quarter: this involves carefully observing your bare skin, from head to toe, from the front and back, without forgetting the barely visible areas (ears, nails, soles of the feet, spaces between the fingers, genitals, etc.). The opportunity to monitor the appearance of new moles and to spot if there are any that are different from the others.
Examine yourself with the “ABCDE” method
– Asymmetry: non-circular shape.
– Edges: irregular, jagged edges, poorly defined with sometimes an extension of the pigment on the skin around the spot.
– Color : non-homogeneous, presence of several colors.
– Diameter : increasing, generally greater than 6 mm.
– Evolution : any stain that changes quickly in appearance, shape, size, thickness.
– to be examined by a dermatologist once a year. “If you spot a change, a suspicious spot or you have certain risk factors, do not hesitate to consult your doctor: he or she will be able to refer you to a dermatologist if necessary,” emphasizes the Inca.
“Self-examination does not replace a medical consultation, if you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to consult,” affirms the SNDV.
(1) Source: National Cancer Institute – INCa.
(2) Source: Inca.
