We are in the peak of the summer season. Children are on holidays and many of us take leave from work to relax. Our lovely beaches are tempting to help us cool off. However, we need to make sure that protecting our health is our first priority. Throughout summer, we encourage people to avoid sun exposure as this is widely accepted as the underlying cause of harmful effects to the skin, eyes and the immune system.

Melanoma is the most serious form of cancer which may develop anywhere on the skin. It invades the skin and can spread to other organs in the body, often with fatal consequences. Regular self-examination of the skin and seeking medical attention when in doubt will enhance survival rates. A simple surgical removal of a melanoma caught in an early stage leads to a good survival rate of 90-95 per cent at five years.

Melanoma is caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, with cumulative exposure leading to skin cancer in later stages of life. The risk of developing melanoma is higher in somebody with fair skin that burns and freckles easily, in those with numerous moles and in those with a family history of melanoma.

Melanoma is caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, with cumulative exposure leading to skin cancer in later stages of life

These factors cannot be modified. However, one can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by minimising exposure to the sun’s UV radiation by preventing sunburn and continuous exposure. Special attention should be paid to children and adolescents, as they are more vulnerable. The effects of the sun are also cumulative, so the effects keep building up throughout life.

Avoiding the sun

■ As a general rule, whenever someone’s shadow is shorter than their height, care should be taken. The shorter the shadow, the more likely it is that sunburn will occur.

■ Solar UV is most damaging in the three to five hours around noon when approximately 50 per cent of daily UV is received in summer, so avoidance of bright sunshine from 10 am to 4pm is desirable. If this is not possible, one should try to seek shade or cover up with clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Watch out for the UV index.

■ The UV index is an integral part of the local weather forecast. It is an indicator of the intensity of harmful UV rays around midday. The index ranges from 0 to 11+ and is an excellent guide to the recommended level of sun protection on a day-to-day basis.

■ Sunburn can occur on cloudy days as well as clear days, although heavy, overcast skies do offer some protection. It is the UV and not the heat rays of the sun that are harmful, thus one can still burn on a cool, windy day in summer.

■ Care should be exercised in and around water and open spaces because of the extensive contribution of UV exposure from the sky (direct and atmospherically scattered UV). Many people get sunburnt when they are swimming, boating or playing on a beach.

■ The best form of protection is to wear loose-fitting, closely woven fabrics that cast a dense shadow when held up against the light. Most types of textiles, both natural and synthetic, provide good protection against UV.

■ Topical sunscreens act by absorbing, scattering or reflecting UV. The sun protection factor (SPF) gives an indication of the effectiveness of sunscreens. For example, a sunscreen with SPF4 means that the UV exposure received after spending a given time in the sun is one-quarter that received in the absence of any protection.

For those people who want good UV protection, a high factor, broad-spectrum (blocking UVB and UVA) sunscreen should be used over those parts of the body that are not covered by clothing. An even thickness should be applied liberally to clean, dry skin and allowed to dry for 15 minutes or so before going outside. Sunscreens applied too thinly or too infrequently will not provide adequate protection. They should be reapplied every two hours.

■ Occupational exposure to UV is be kept to a minimum where possible. The risk from solar UV exposure to outdoor workers such as agricultural workers, labourers, construction workers and fishermen can be minimised by wearing appropriate, tightly woven clothing and, most importantly, a brimmed hat to reduce face and neck exposure. Sunscreens should be applied to exposed skin to reduce UV exposure further.

Protect yourself and your children this summer to enjoy the best of health.

Charmaine Gauci is Superintendent of Public Health.