The message that the sun’s UV rays are harmful cannot be driven home enough, as people are still ignoring all warnings, says Lawrence Scerri, chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venerealogy. He also tells Stephanie Fsadni that one should be aware that although melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, there are two more common types.

Awareness of the danger of too much sun exposure has increased considerably over the years, but when it comes to practice, few are those who take heed. Surveys have revealed that locals know about the harmful effects of the sun, but then they do not take the necessary action.

This is further evidenced by the increase in the rise of melanoma cases. Statistics show that the number of deaths from this skin cancer rose by 76 per cent between 1993 and 2014. There were 718 cases diagnosed in this period – 323 men and 395 women – and 130 deaths.

“It all boils down to the culture,” says Lawrence Scerri, chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology. “The mentality that a suntan is beautiful or looks healthy is deeply ingrained.”

Even though the media is promoting less suntanned beauties than in the 1980s and 1990s, and information about the dangers of sun overexposure is available at the click of a button, today’s young teenagers still long for that tan.

“They suffer from a lot of peer pressure. If one does not get a tan, one is likely to be considered a nerd or a freak,” Scerri laments. “Besides, they don’t seem to worry about possible future repercussions, as if ‘tomorrow never comes’.

“However, that all forms part of teen’s rebellious attitude.”

What is more worrying, in his opinion, is that this suntan mentality is prevalent among “more mature people”, like those in their 20s, 30s and even 40s, who should know better.

“They tell me ‘I cannot stay without a suntan’,” says Scerri. “Then when the skin gets damaged, they resort to cosmetic treatments. This seems totally illogical to me.”

Scerri has only seen progress among parents, who are protecting their young children more. Also, more people are getting their moles checked.

Abnormal moles are an indicator of melanoma, which is caused by intermittent exposure to the sun, such as when one gets sunburnt every summer. The cancer presents itself as a pigmented lesion, which changes consistently in shape, size or colour in a relatively short period of time.

From left: Melanoma, Basal-cell carcinoma and Squamous-cell carcinoma.From left: Melanoma, Basal-cell carcinoma and Squamous-cell carcinoma.

Spotting the warning signs

Melanoma is the most talked about form of skin cancer, because it is the most serious, yet it is “luckily” the least common type.

The most common type of skin cancer is basal-cell carcinoma, which appears like a pearly lump. It is the least dangerous form of skin cancer and is locally invasive, that is, it slowly, slowly eats up nearby ‘structures’. In fact, in laymen’s terms, it is called ‘rodent ulcer’.

However, it only attacks organs if one is careless and does not seek treatment when the lump appears.

The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous-cell carcinoma. This starts off as a small nodule and as it enlarges, the nodule turns into an ulcer.

Early detection leads to a survival rate of around 95 per cent

This is commonly caused by long-term, continuous sun exposure. In fact, it is considered an occupational disease as it occurs most often among people who work outdoors, like construction workers, farmers and tourist guides.

“Ten per cent of cases are very serious and the tumour can spread. However, in the majority of cases, this form of skin cancer can also be removed if treated early,” points out Scerri.

Compared to other cancers, skin cancer can be detected in the early stages because both patient and doctor can spot the warning signs. Early detection of melanoma, and its surgical removal, leads to a survival rate of around 95 per cent.

However, as always, prevention is better than cure.

“So either avoid the sun or protect yourself well if you cannot do otherwise,” recommends Scerri.

If one cannot avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, one should apply sunscreen with the highest possible factor, that is 50+.If one cannot avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, one should apply sunscreen with the highest possible factor, that is 50+.

Avoid or protect

• Avoid being outside in the hottest sun hours without need, that is from around 10.30am to 4pm.

• If you have fair skin, you are likely to get sunburnt more easily.

• Do not underestimate spring as a UV index of 6 and over is harmful. Most sunburns occur in spring.

• If one cannot avoid going out in the sun, one should apply sunscreen with the highest possible factor, that is 50+. Reapply it generously every two to three hours on all exposed areas.

• Pay particular attention to the top of feet, back of neck and ears, as these areas are often ignored.

• The sun’s rays penetrate clouds, so apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day, especially if you go to the beach.

• The easiest way to protect yourself is by covering up, such as by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and covering shoulders with short-sleeved tops.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.