SunSmart Muslims

It is always better to prevent health conditions, than to fix them once they have appeared. Approximately 80% of cancers diagnosed each year are skin cancers, and are even found in children and teenagers. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with more than 60% of adults developing it at some point of their lives. The reasons for this are partly due to the hole in the ozone layer (a gaseous layer in the atmosphere that helps to filter harmful rays of the sun, such as UV rays), created by global pollution, and a culture where we spend a large amount of time in the sun, and around the water. Skin cancer is serious. In 2012 there were 2,036 deaths attributed to skin cancer in Australia. In addition, many types of skin cancer, including non-melanomas, increase the risk of developing other types of cancer. Sun exposure is the biggest contributor to skin cancer, as 90% of non-melanomas, and 65% of melanomas being caused by exposure to UV rays, which damage genes, and reduce the immune system. There is much you can do to decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, and that of your children.

Clothing

Wear long sleeve shirts and pants to protect you from the sun.

Wear a wide brimmed hat, not a cap. Your face, neck, ears and head must be protected. Ladies, hijab is not enough. It does not protect your face. You must wear a hat on top.

Thin materials that breathe, such as cotton or hemp, will keep you cool.

Choose clothes in light colours. Different colours are formed depending on the wavelengths of light absorbed or reflected. The colour white is formed by all wavelengths of visible light being reflected, whereas the colour black is formed by all wavelengths of visible light being absorbed. Light is heat. We all know that it is cooler in the shade than under the sun. So, wearing lighter coloured clothes reduces the amount of light, and thereby heat, that the clothes absorb, and pass on to your body.

Protect your eyes

The sun can also damage your eyes. Always were sunglasses when you go out. Make sure they meet Australian standards (it will be written on the tag or packaging if they do). Those that don’t meet Australian standards will not filter the harmful rays.

Sunscreen

Any time you go into the sun cover all exposed areas with sunscreen, preferable anything with SPF 30+, or higher. Don’t forget your nose, ears, hands, the back of your neck, and your feet. Use lip balm with sunscreen built in to protect your lips.

Most people do not apply enough sunscreen, reducing the level of protection offered by 50-80%. Apply liberally – at least a teaspoon for each limb, a teaspoon for either side of your torso, and half a teaspoon for your face, neck and ears.

Sunscreen takes time to be absorbed and create a barrier, so make sure you put it on 20 minutes before you go out. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. If you have been in the water, or have been sweating, you should reapply sunscreen straight away because the water can wash it off (products that claim to be waterproof or sweat-proof are actually only resistant, and can easily be washed off), and towel drying will rub it off.

The regular application of sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays. What many do not know is that it can also help your body repair existing sun damage. This is because your body is constantly repairing damage. Sun damage builds up over time because your body is not able to keep up with the rate of damage. By reducing additional sun damage you allow your body to catch up, and repair some existing damage.

Stay in the shade

Always try to keep to the shade. Find a shady spot under a tree. You will keep cool, and reduce the amount of sun that reaches your skin. If there is unlikely to be much shade bring your own, such as a pagola or large umbrella.

Avoid the most dangerous periods

Plan activities and outings to limit exposure to the sun during the midday hours.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible killer. You cannot see their levels, and they fluctuate day to day. Download the SunSmart app, or check the Bureau of Meteorology website, each day to find out the UV level. Sun protection is needed when the UV level is 3, or greater.

Important facts

Sadly, many people increase their risk of skin cancer by not being aware of these important facts. Have a read, and apply your newfound knowledge to protect yourself, and your loved ones.

UV rays can be very high, and damage your skin, when it is cloudy and cold.

You do not have to burn to develop skin cancer. Every exposure to UV rays does you harm, and that damage builds up over many years.

Having darker skin reduces your risk, but does not eliminate it. People with darker skin can, and do, develop skin cancer.

The sun is more dangerous around water and snow. These surfaces reflect additional rays back to your body.

Sun protection builds up over time. Make sure you protect your babies and children. There is no evidence that sunscreen is harmful for babies. Use products for babies, or sensitive skin.

There is no such thing as a “healthy tan”. It is a sign that you have been exposed to a high amount of UV rays, and have a significant amount of sun damage. Tans do not protect you from sun damage.

Fake tan products do not increase your level of sun protection.

Sources

Cancer Council Australia 2015a, Preventing skin cancer, Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, Australia, viewed 3 November 2015, <http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/>

Cancer Council Australia 2015b, Skin cancer, Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, Australia, viewed 3 November 2015, <http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/about-skin-cancer.html>

Cancer Council Australia 2015c, SPF50+ sunscreen, Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, Australia, viewed 3 November 2015, < http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/spf50sunscreen.html>

Damian, D c. 2015, Skin cancer, Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, Australia, viewed 3 November 2015, <http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/research-activity-report-2012/prevention/skin-cancer/>

Skin Cancer Foundation c. 2015, Repair (and even reverse) sign of sun damage, Skin Cancer Foundation, New York, USA, viewed 3 November 2015, <http://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/anti-aging/repair-and-even-reverse-signs-of-sun-damage>

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