SUN CANCER PREVENTION
SAVE YOUR SKIN - ABCDE METHOD

DECODING SUN PROTECTION
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Below you’ll find a dedicated article that explains the varying effects of these different types of UV on skin - sunburn, ageing and increased skin cancer risk - as well as how to understand the labels on sun products and pick out protection you can rely on.

For a more in-depth look at what happens to skin in the sun, you will find a quick guide to the short- and long-term effects of sun exposure (sun allergy, acne, photosensitivity…).

Empowered by all this knowledge, you’ll be ready to discover our recommended best practices to keep you and your family’s skin safe, plus information on the importance of daily protection, especially if you have sensitive skin.

SUN & CANCER PREVENTION
SAVE YOUR SKIN - ABCDE METHOD

Why is the sun dangerous? UVA and UVB rays trigger changes at the heart of our cells leading to DNA damage. In the long term, this damage can cause skin cancer.
Although talking about cancer is always scary, 90% of skin cancers are curable if detected in time*. And, crucially, skin cancer highly preventable with the right sun protection.
_{*www.euromelanoma.org/press, EPI factsheet 2014}

PRACTICAL STEPS
TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER

• To prevent skin cancer, a few simple steps should always be followed:
• Engage in smart protective behaviours in the sun, such as avoiding exposure at the sunniest times of day and wearing protective hats and clothing.
• Protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
• Check your moles using the ABCDE method (and consult your GP or a dermatologist if you notice anything that concerns you).
• See a dermatologist regularly for a full-body mole check.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK
OF SKIN CANCER?

"When it comes to the dangers of the sun, some people are in a higher risk group. This includes people with a fair phototype (light eyes, skin and hair), people with a large number of moles and/or a family history of skin cancer, people who suffered 5 or more blistering sunburns under the age of 20, and those who regularly use tanning booths. "

If you are in a high-risk group, mole-checking is something you should do on a regular basis – Remember, 90% of skin cancers are curable if detected in time*.
* www.euromelanoma.org/press, EPI factsheet 2014

THE ABCDE METHOD
FOR SKIN CANCER SCREENING

Recognised by dermatologists, the ABCDE method is helpful in identifying suspect lesions with the naked eye.

Red flags to keep a careful eye out for include:

• The sudden development of new moles, since 8/10 melanomas arise from new moles rather than pre-existing moles.
• Changes in the size, shape or colour of existing moles.

In this section, you will discover the must-knows of skin cancer prevention: How to stay safe in the sun, what sun protection products to use and how often. You will also find detailed information on how to use the ABCDE method as a mole-screening tool, plus handy sun protection tips to make sure every inch of skin is protected.